MEET Emma White
Junior Account Executive
(former level 4 Insurance Apprentice)
Team Global Marine, International Trade and Logistics
Segment Corporate Risk and Broking
Location London, United Kingdom
Experience level Apprentice
Personal interests
Sharing time with friends.
Why did you pursue an apprentice position with Willis Towers Watson?
I found out about the apprenticeship through a government website. Even though I had already started at university, the experience wasn’t for me; so I left and set out to look for an alternative. I found the apprenticeship to be the career experience I was looking for, one that could advance my skills and qualifications.
What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed while at Willis Towers Watson?
I have learned about insurance through shadowing colleagues, various training courses and my certification exams. Additionally, having never worked in an office before, I learned day-to-day office skills such as how to use company systems and office communications. My responsibilities as an apprentice change frequently as I gain more experience and knowledge. I have progressed to where I am now involved in renewals, processing and servicing clients.
Can you share a highlight of your apprenticeship experience?
The highlights so far have been building relationships with my colleagues/underwriters and gaining knowledge that helped me pass my exams. I also enjoy seeing new apprentices coming into the programme and being able to answer their questions and help them feel comfortable.
What is your hope for your career in the future?
In the future, I would like to gain more responsibility in my role and one day be able to move into a management position.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship at Willis Towers Watson?
Having some previous work experience would be an advantage. I would also say to anyone exploring this route: Don’t rule out university too quickly and don’t rule out the apprenticeship too easily. Explore all your options and try to avoid tunnel vision.
MEET Dominic Ferrari
Actuarial Apprentice
Team Retirement team
Segment Human Capital Benefits
Location Reigate, United Kingdom
Experience level Apprentice
Why did you pursue an apprentice position with Willis Towers Watson?
I knew I wanted a job in the actuarial world, and this programme offered me a path to achieve this without going to university. From my first contact with the job listing, the company came across as professional. The fact that we advise a large number of FTSE 100 companies really impressed me, and this has been echoed in my experiences so far, as I have been involved with a large number of recognisable clients.
My apprenticeship is based in Reigate, which enables me to continue to live at home and still get work experience and education comparable to the university option.
What was your experience of the application process?
I found the process to be quite smooth with very few surprises. The assessment centre had a relaxed atmosphere, and I was given very constructive feedback following my interview.
And of the apprenticeship itself?
My first year as an apprentice has been all about developing a knowledge base for the work I do day-to-day. I’ve been given responsibility to complete regular tasks and take ownership for the quality of my work. As my apprenticeship progresses, I’ve been given the opportunity to help train new apprentices in some fundamentals of actuarial work, including the use of Excel, as well as provide peer support to three recent graduates. I’ve been able to help them learn how our team works and answer any questions they may have.
What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed while at Willis Towers Watson?
I’ve received great training provided by Willis Towers Watson that has helped me pass two professional exams that are essential to gaining an actuarial qualification.
I’ve also learned that teamwork is the most important part of working within an office — in order to deliver quality work for our clients and also enjoy ourselves in the process.
Can you share a highlight of your apprenticeship experience with Willis Towers Watson?
I’ve appreciated the opportunity to help train new apprentices and go to local careers fairs to promote the Willis Towers Watson apprenticeship. I’ve enjoyed meeting college students to discuss their career goals and the possibility of the apprenticeship as an alternative to university.
What is your hope for your career in the future?
As a result of this experience, I know I want to develop a career in the actuarial world.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship at Willis Towers Watson?
I would suggest to anyone applying to an apprenticeship at Willis Towers Watson to be proactive; research the company, it will impress the evaluators and make you stand out.