Someone commented on a previous posting and asked me questions about career development and how much maths you need at Lloyd’s.
First, Ashfaque, thank you for commenting—you’re the first!
Second, as to the maths, it’s quite difficult to answer because everyone’s different. I’ve done A-level maths and did some courses at University, but not very much. Some of the graduates have done less; some more.
In Underwriting Performance the maths that we use is more commonsense and practical than anything highly technical or theoretical.
But, to be sure of an accurate answer, I put your question to the HR team and they said:
“The graduate scheme here is a general one, so you’re not applying for a specific role. Graduates can work in a variety of departments ranging from Business Strategy and Planning to Underwriting Performance and Risk Management. The requirement for maths differs greatly, so if you’re looking for a position where maths isn’t the main requirement you’d simply apply for placements in those departments.”
My graduate intake had a choice of about 15 different departments.
I hope that answer helps.
Moving on to career development–well, I don’t know that much about it myself having only been here for a few months, so I went to HR, who said:
”Lloyd’s is a fairly flat structure in terms of levels so it’s not an organisation where you simply move up a chain of command. You do continually learn and grow and take on more complex work and there are promotions open to individuals both within their current departments and also through transfers.”
I’ve found that Lloyd’s rewards and motivates employees by giving them responsibility and that’s something that really drives you when you get here.
The flat structure promotes the kind of culture that allows everyone to express their views and ideas, and you don’t feel like people are too senior to approach.
I wanted to be a part of the graduate scheme because I saw a great opportunity to learn and to get invaluable experience of the industry. There’s a big focus here on personal development and we get lots of support in this respect.
As I’ve said in previous blogs, I love having the work–life balance that you get working at Lloyd’s and having the opportunity to take part in so many diverse activities.
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Readers Comments (4)
Posted on Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Chebac Andrei Hari said:
Good Day,
I’m a student at Constanta Maritime University in Romania in my last year of study (4th year) and I would like to take my master degree in Maritime Law, starting from July this year…I will bother you with some questions…Do I have any opportunity to work at Lloyd’s?…there is any possibility?…and for that…if it is…what do I have to do further?…
Thank you very much for your time.
Best Regards,
Chebac Hari
Posted on Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Jennifer, Lloyd's HR said:
Thank you for your interest. Given your choice of degree subject, I’m not surprised you’re attracted to Lloyd’s—we’ve a rich shipping history and continuing involvement in marine insurance! There are various options open to you for pursuing a career at Lloyd’s, depending on the direction you’d like to take. Our graduate programme is one possible avenue, involving a series of rotations across various departments within both the Corporation and the larger Lloyd’s market.
You can apply to the graduate programme from September 2009 for our September 2010 intake. If you’d like to be reminded when this happens, then please go to the Apply now page where you can sign up to an alert.
Alternatively, if you feel the grad scheme is too generalist and want to specialise from day one, you could apply directly to a role within Lloyd’s Agency department (which supports the marine insurance industry) or to one of the managing agents within the Market that specialise in marine insurance (such as Chaucer or Amlin). For opportunities within our Agency department, please register your CV in the experienced hire website area.
For opportunities with Lloyd’s managing agents, you should visit the company websites and contact the relevant HR departments. You can find a list of syndicates and managing agents on lloyds.com.
I hope this answers your question and good luck with your Master’s degree!
Jennifer, Lloyd’s HR
Posted on Thursday, July 16th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Mr L said:
Hi,
I graduated in 2007 and started working for a law firm in the City straight away. I currently work with the business development team and our firm specialises in insurance. Having been exposed to the insurance market at my firm I’d love to apply for a graduate position at Lloyd’s.
What I really want to know is would I be considered? I hold a 2:1 degree in Human Geography which I feel would contribute along with my existing experience. However, am I now too old for a graduate course (23 years) and if so how else could I better my chances of working for Lloyd’s?
I appreciate anyone who has the time to respond.
Kind regards,
Mr L
Posted on Monday, July 27th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Jennifer, Lloyd's HR said:
Thanks for your enquiry, Mr L!
The answer’s yes. Despite the fact that you’re not ‘newly graduated’ you’d still be eligible to apply for our graduate programme. We don’t select people on the basis of age. Some work experience could stand you in good stead for our programme as you’ll have developed skills and knowledge that you could usefully apply to your role here at Lloyd’s.
For others in a similar situation, I’d add that this is an entry level graduate programme so if you have a lot of experience, do ask yourself whether this programme would provide the level of responsibility, challenge and remuneration you may have come to expect.
Kind regards
Jennifer