Case studies : Managed accounts executive: Emily

Emily's day-to-day tasks include overseeing clients’ accounts, organising renewal meetings with brokers and clients, assisting with and shadowing brokers, report writing, presentations and business development.

Emily graduated with a modern languages degree from Exeter University. After taking a year out, she then went on to study a Masters in Management at the University of Bath (School of Management).

'To be honest, I hadn’t really considered insurance as a career area as such, but when I came across the graduate scheme at the company I now work for it seemed to offer a number of elements that I would like in a job - a client-facing role and the ability to use my language and presentation skills. The recruitment team at the assessment centre also particularly impressed me as they were very encouraging and emphasised the company’s interest in personal development.

I have changed roles three times within the graduate scheme. My role in the global support team enabled me to use the Spanish language skills I gained with my degree as I was working with clients in Latin America. I was also given business Spanish classes through the company.

My role now involves overseeing the client relationship side of the brokerage process and has less emphasis on technical brokerage. I really enjoy the client contact, sussing out what clients really want and then developing strong client relationships. Within insurance, the administration is a ‘necessary evil’ that can sometimes be laborious.

My company supported me through the qualifications, and although it’s possible to part-qualify, it’s good to get on and complete the qualifications as soon as possible. Career development within my role has been very good, as I have had the opportunity to shape my career in the way I want. For example, if I had wanted to focus more on technical brokerage, I could have.'

To succeed at selection, Emily advises:

'You need to show a passion for the industry. Ideally, you can do this through gaining work experience in an insurance company or with a broker themselves. It’s also important to show on your CV that you have used a lot of initiative. I had no gaps on my CV and used all my university vacations productively. Even if the experience I gained during this time was not directly relevant to insurance it showed that I had a level of ambition and the financial awareness required to manage my own finances. It’s also very important to research the company you are applying to in advance. Masters degrees can be helpful as well. Mine has given me exemptions from certain CII exams and the business awareness needed to research the firm. There are also some very good risk and insurance masters available which employers view favourably.'