Graduate Trainee Programme – Underwriting
The Sompo Graduate Trainee Programme is a 24-month training programme designed to give participants the business and technical skills they need to build a successful career in insurance underwriting. Trainees work alongside the most experienced underwriters in the industry to gain in-depth knowledge of our business units and underwriting philosophy. Through on-the-job learning, workplace mentoring and directed self-study, Sompo’s Graduate Programme is a foundation for career advancement at Sompo and can lead to an exciting and accelerated career pathway in insurance.
What can I expect as a Graduate Trainee?
On-The-Job Learning
Insurance underwriting requires a high degree of experience, expertise and relationship building – something you can’t learn in the classroom. Sompo underwriter trainees are immersed in the day-to-day activities of underwriting new business and renewal accounts. They are given a rare opportunity to work alongside experts in the field to review submissions, analyse risks and expand their overall knowledge.
Directed Self-Study
Professional designation courses give Insurance professionals technical knowledge of insurance operations and industry practices. Sompo supports employees pursuing continuing educations opportunities by covering the cost for fees and textbooks, offering time off work to take exams, and providing additional compensation for successful completion of many courses. As part of the Graduate Trainee programme, participants will be required to successfully complete their CII Certificate and Diploma qualification (additional details below).
Certificate CII - completion of 3 exams (LM1, LM2, LM3)
Diploma CII - completion of 4 exams (delegate can choose most applicable)
Career Development Support
At Sompo, we are committed to developing our people. We encourage employees to strengthen their skills and expand their understanding of the business. Sompo Graduate Trainees receive professional development training on topics such as communication/negotiation, self-awareness and sales and marketing to help them build successful careers.
Mentoring
As part of the development of each Graduate Trainee, a mentor will be assigned at the beginning of the scheme. This mentor will be from a different department to the Graduate Trainee and they will be tasked with providing ad hoc guidance and support during regular 1:1’s throughout the programme. The Mentor will also assist the line managers during the annual performance review cycle and review of progression during Level 1,2 and 3 of the programme.
Rotation Scheme
Participants placed within Insurance Underwriting a will gain experience working with varied business lines during the programme, and will take part in two, twelve-month placements within each business line. Satisfactory completion of each placement will allow the participant to progress throughout the programme. The examples of potential rotations are outlined below.
Crisis Management (12months) & General Liability (12 months)
Cyber (12 months) & Financial Institutions (12 months)
Financial Institutions (12 months) & Cyber (12 months)
Political & Financial Risk (12 months) & Crisis Management (12 months)
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
Sompo underwriters are some of the best and brightest in the industry. When recruiting the next generation of Sompo underwriters, we consider all University degree disciplines, especially those with numerate degrees and with experience or interest in insurance, financial services, marketing or sales. What is key for us is work ethic, intellectual curiosity, integrity and agility.
Additional requirements include:
Critical thinking ability & analytical skills.
Ability to work independently and collaborate with others.
Integrity and reliability.
Technical accuracy and software skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a team-oriented approach.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong time management and ability to organise efficiently.
Competent computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook as a minimum.
Please only apply if you are available to come to our London office on 12th of May for the in-person assessment day. Many thanks!
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SUNDAY 6TH APRIL
