We asked Hull and War Underwriting Assistant, Harvey Booth, to share what his typical day looks like, along with his aspirations for his future career and the skills that he thinks are vital to success in the insurance industry and at Markel. Read the full interview below...
Describe a day in the life of your role at Markel.
A typical day starts with a team catch up to go through upcoming meetings and any updates on the hull and war market.
I go to Lloyds once or twice a week to support a senior underwriter. I assist them with the admin side of writing business, which can range from scanning slips and endorsements to engaging in conversations with the brokers. It’s a great environment to learn as I’m surrounded by experts in my class of business.
At lunchtime, I usually try and meet up with other grads or with other members of my team in Sam’s, our internal cafe. It’s nice to take a break to chat about non-work things and catch up with friends.
I usually finish somewhere between 1730-1800 and once or twice a week, either with members of my team or with other graduates, we head out to a local bar or restaurant to have some fun.
What skills do you think are vital to success in the insurance industry and at Markel?
- Be able to hold a conversation and engage with a range of people with varying levels of seniority, both internally and externally. Ask questions!
- It may sound generic but common sense goes a long way. If something in your work looks wrong, it probably is! Take notes! When you hear something you haven’t come across before write it down and remember it.
- Be reliable. If you said you’re going to do something; do it. If you have a meeting; be on time.
What are your aspirations for your future career?
Long term: to progress my career in underwriting. I’m currently an underwriting assistant but hopefully in time I’ll move up the ladder to assistant underwriter, underwriter and maybe one day senior underwriter and beyond! Short term: I take one day at a time and work hard on the tasks that come across my desk. I try and absorb as much as I can and not to look too far ahead.
What are your top recommendation for book, podcast or Netflix series?
- IBook: Doppler by Erland Loe
- Podcast: Rick Shiels Golf Podcast
- Netflix: Stranger Things
Markel's graduate programmes are designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to be successful in your role and beyond. You gain valuable experience through on-the-job, technical and professional skills training whilst also receiving support towards achieving your professional qualification. Throughout your programme you’ll develop expertise in your field and breadth of knowledge across the business through rotations or secondments, projects and mentoring.
Markel is committed to you and your career - check out what you can expect here.