Nadia works in London, joining Atrium, a specialist Lloyd’s underwriting business in October 2020
How did you get into insurance?
When I was in Year 10, I attended a careers’ talk to discuss whether I wanted to go to university or look for an apprenticeship, and the idea of working and studying sounded more attractive to me. I loved maths and chose financial studies at A level so knew I was looking for something with a finance element. Throughout my financial studies I learned different topics that included: financial planning, banking, and insurance. I then explored my options to see if I could find an apprenticeship in one of these fields. Initially I applied to the Big Four accountancy firms, but the process was super competitive. I then found that insurance offers apprenticeships as well! I did an online mentoring programme with the Brokerage and was given a mentor. They were working in the London insurance market, and introduced me to Lloyd’s of London. I applied for several Underwriting Assistant roles and eventually gained my role at Atrium.
What was so fascinating about the specialty insurance?
As an Underwriting Administrative Assistant, I get to see all the areas of business that Atrium covers – as a specialist insurer that can be anything from satellites, jewellery, large ships, or covering a journalist going to a war zone for a day! This industry is as far removed from just houses and cars as you can imagine, it touches every part of the world and almost every type of business. I am working towards my professional qualifications with the Chartered Insurance Institute so that I can further progress in my career. There are lots of other young professionals across the market who are doing the same, so we are always helping each other. An example of this would be when I was struggling with one of my modules, it was someone I met at a networking event who pointed me towards some great learning resources which really helped.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The thing I love most is engaging with other people. Even though I joined in lockdown, there were a lot of online events, bitesize training, coffee catch ups and Knowledge Exchange Programs – I really didn’t feel I was missing out, which is so important when you are getting started! Once we were back in the office, I was a bit nervous to start off as it was a new environment and I had to meet lots of new people. Something I’ve learned is that this is a market that is all about people and there are a lot of networking opportunities so you can build your contacts quite fast! This has really helped me to network and build my self-confidence. Atrium, like many others, has embraced hybrid working but I am in the office three days a week and love that face-to-face interaction.
Fun fact about you
Outside of work I do Muay Thai and I like baking!