What's your job about?
Currently, I work for Gallagher, an international insurance brokerage based out of the US. I have recently been taken on as an Account Executive for Vic Corporate based out of East Melbourne.
When I first started the Graduate Program for Gallagher I had no idea what an insurance broker actually was, so here’s a quick definition.
An insurance broker is there to assist clients in arranging insurance for themselves or their business and negotiates with the insurer to get the best coverage for the best price.
My current corporate position means I deal with a variety of clients across an array of industries. I’ve been given my own small book of clients which I’ve started to break, however, the majority of my time is spent assisting the larger clients. I’ve been working on clients such as Boost Juice, Grill’d and Koko Black, who due to their size require a lot more work and attention. I have also spent a significant amount of time on new business opportunities as they usually have a more urgent timeline.
What's your background?
I grew up in a tiny town of a couple hundred people in WA called Williams. I grew up on a farm until the age of 12 and moved over to Mt Martha on the Mornington Peninsula. It was tough at the time, but I’m so glad we moved as there were very few opportunities in such a remote area.
My parents started working in the Post Office and I started working there in the mornings before school. At 14 yrs old I applied for a casual job at my local IGA and fortunately got a job as a cashier. I worked there for 6 and a half years which really helped my customer service skills however I needed to make a change.
I then applied for a job at the Enchanted Garden who do tree surfing. Luckily because the peninsula is a pretty small region, they knew me from IGA and hired me without an interview. During working there I also got a second job at an Italian restaurant doing waiting and a bit of bar work.
After working those two jobs I’d saved enough and completed my Uni degree during Covid and was keen to get out of the house and travel. I did 4 months travelling around Europe and the UK which was just what I needed, and so much fun!
After returning, I applied for various Graduate courses and was lucky enough to be chosen by Gallagher.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
One hundred percent!
Almost no one I know has had the exact same background and I really think that insurance is one of the most diverse industries. Not sure who coined the phrase ‘fell into insurance’ but it’s applicable to probably 95% of people in the industry.
I think it’s a really good sign that so many people from different backgrounds and expertise have chosen to remain in an industry that they’d never really thought about prior.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
I think my favourite part of the job is working on those big clients who you see around everywhere, and learning the ins-and-outs of their business. I think it’s kind of cool to go eat out somewhere and think, ‘oh we do their insurance’.
I also really like the work-life balance you get. You will be under the pump at certain stages, but you’ll also get lunches and events where you can meet people, build connections and experience certain things you may not have done otherwise.
What are the limitations of your job?
Not all jobs are created equal, and so there will be times where you are feeling overwhelmed with the amount of things you need to do. I mean, even writing this Graduate Story I was thinking ‘how am I going to find time for this?’
I think this is similar in many professions however, there will be busy times when you will have to work your arse off to keep up. But as long as you keep a level head and don’t panic you’ll be fine.
Another drawback is that it is mainly an office job, so you will be spending a good portion of your time indoors.
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