Jamie Smith, University of Bristol
London Office

Why did you choose to start your career at Willis?

Willis is one of the world’s leading insurance brokers. It has a dominant position in the London market and has a truly global footprint. I was attracted to Willis’s reputation as a highly respected and professional firm. The people I met throughout the interview process were enthusiastic and passionate about the firm’s Values and strategy. All of this combined reinforced my opinion that Willis is one of the best places for graduates to embark on a career in insurance.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I am responsible for a portfolio of accounts in the Property (Asia Pacific) team, handling all aspects of clients’ insurance programs. Daily tasks include handling new business inquiries, analyzing renewal information from clients and preparing renewal slips, collating underwriting information and marketing the risk in both the London and International markets.

What skills have you found to be the most useful on the job?

Interpersonal skills are critical to my job, in particular the building and maintaining of relationships with clients and underwriters. Further, I have found that communication, numerical and organizational skills I acquired at University are essential to effectively carry out my job on a day to day basis.

What is the social side of Willis like?

The London insurance market is inherently sociable, founded upon broker-underwriter relationships. I enjoy attending the Lloyd’s Under-35’s and Graduate Insurance Network events alongside Chartered Insurance Institute lectures.