Megan is a cyber and tech underwriter in Boston. Since joining us in July 2020 after graduating from university, she took part in the Advanced Underwriter Training Program in Atlanta to then graduate as an underwriter in Boston.
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Morning
6:00
I wake up and leave my apartment to head to the gym. I check my e-mails on the bus to see if anything urgent might have come in overnight. I arrive at the gym and do a HIIT class, one of my favorite workout classes and a great way to wake up in the morning.
8:45
I arrive at the office and stop on the 24th floor to get a latte from the espresso machine. While waiting for the elevator to head up to the 31st floor, where our office is located, I look at the calendar of events in the building this week. Often, our building has free lunches, snacks, or activities to help foster community in the building. I find a desk for the day. I look at my calendar to see what’s on my schedule today. I have a few catch-ups, trainings, and general meetings throughout the day.
09:15
I start tackling my e-mails and to-do list. I often switch between working out of my inbox and my queue to ensure I address all the needs of my brokers and team members.
10:00
I am underwriting a new business account. I wrote down a list of questions and concerns that need to be addressed with the broker and insured. I give the broker a call, walk through the submission, and share where I think our terms will be. After the call, I have a better picture of the risk and believe we can provide competitive terms.
12:00
I sign onto the ‘large account surgery’ call. Although I do not have an account to present, I listen to other underwriters give an overview of their accounts and receive feedback from the cyber and tech large risk team. One of my favorite things about Beazley is how collaborative we are – this call happens every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – and is a great way to learn what’s going on in the large risk space.
12:30
I order lunch on the Ritual app. Beazley gives us an allowance every day for lunch when we are in the office. I walk to the local sandwich shop to pick up my lunch and bring it back to the office to eat in the kitchen. It is always lovely to get outside during the day – even for just a few minutes.
13:15
I have a catch-up with my co-chair for the Global Community Committee. Today, we are strategizing some of the agenda items for next week’s monthly meeting with the entire committee. The Global Community week is in May, so we are trying to coordinate with each office to ensure a volunteering activity is planned and our colleagues have a way to participate and give back.
13:45
I go back into my queue to look at the other risks I need to underwrite. Most of them need more information, so I send notes to my brokers for the outstanding information. I also respond to any e-mails that might have come in at lunch.
14:30
I have a few risks that I need some advice on. Every afternoon, the Northeast team has a stand-up to peer-review accounts. I log in and get feedback from other underwriters on my team. It is also an excellent opportunity to hear what other underwriters are working on in our region.
15:00
I head back to the 24th floor to get another latte. I need the caffeine to stay focused, and it’s also a nice break in the day to take a moment to relax.
15:30
I have a virtual underwriting meeting for a renewal. I log-on to the call to listen to the Insured’s overview of their operations, governance policies, and cyber controls. I take notes for my file and ask follow-up questions on items that need clarity. Underwriting meetings are a great way to learn more about our Insureds.
17:00
My afternoon and early evening are spent tying up any loose ends on accounts or inquiries. A large part of my job is managing my desk by ensuring I reply quickly and thoughtfully to brokers and colleagues. I try to be responsive, so they know they can rely on me when they need me. I try to clear my inbox out as much as possible before I leave the office, so I have a fresh plate tomorrow.
Evening
A few colleagues are headed to a bar nearby to get a drink after work. I join them for a drink and then head home on the bus.