A magnificent seven

Seven recent graduate joiners at Hiscox give us seven reasons why their first year at Hiscox has been...well...magnificent.

1. Taking early responsibility on the Hiscox Graduate Scheme “I can’t imagine a better graduate scheme than at Hiscox,” says Emma Bradley, Graduate Trainee Underwriter who really wanted to be able to make a difference. “From day one you are given real responsibility and the opportunity to suggest new and improved business strategies. At the start I was given the chance to set up a new book of business involving two other companies, which has recently been given the green light – the process was challenging but so rewarding at the end.”
2. Communication and leadership ‘The art of communication is the language of leadership’ says the famous quote – and Megan Spencer, Digital Marketing Co-ordinator, certainly agrees. “The graduate program has helped me improve upon valuable communication and leadership skills which has really helped me to get out of my comfort zone and challenge convention throughout my first eight months at Hiscox.”
3. Being comfortable being uncomfortable Madison Williamson, Technology and Privacy Underwriter, is enjoying life in the hot seat in an underwriting role. “I interned with Hiscox while in college but never imagined I would be itching to come back as soon as I could after graduation. Being an underwriter is not a comfortable job – but that challenge fuels me every day and creates opportunities to learn and push myself.”
4. See the world they said... Ishaan Rahman, Pricing Analyst, is doing just that on secondment in Singapore as a Strategy Analyst. The food’s not bad apparently! “Everything in Singapore runs very smoothly and people are extremely friendly,” says Ishaan. “The working culture is very different to back home in London, not least because there are no suits and ties at all. The hours are also broadly similar to London but there are about 100 people in this bright yellow office. The food has probably been the best part so far – it’s incredibly cheap, varied and delicious and I’ve tried to eat something different every meal.”
5. Mentorship ‘Ready are you? What know you of ready?’ So said Jedi Master, Yoda. There are no Yodas at Hiscox, but there are some pretty great mentors says Megan Carson, Data Analyst in the Marketing team. “I love how much mentorship I get from my team. They are always pushing me to learn new skills and get outside my comfort zone. It’s so exciting and rewarding to be able to take these kinds of risks so early in my career.”
6. What happens when the wind blows and the ground shakes? It’s the application of science says Emmi Edwards, London Market Graduate Underwriter, who is enjoying putting her university training to good use. “I spent four years at the University of Sussex studying for a Bachelors and Masters in theoretical physics so I guess you could say I ‘thought outside the box’ in joining an insurance company. Learning about the formation of hurricanes and the science behind the physical effects of earthquakes as a property underwriter is somehow not too distant from my scientific origins.”
7. Doing something for charity It doesn’t always need to be about work and business. There’s time to think about life going on beyond Hiscox says Lauren Stephenson, Graduate Operations Analyst. “I’m really passionate about corporate social responsibility and was so pleased that as soon as I joined Hiscox, Hiscox Gives sent round an email to the whole company inviting people to join. I joined the Committee as a volunteering manager, which involves promoting volunteering opportunities for employees in the London office. Although my graduate role is in Operations, my manager really encouraged my involvement and even included it in my objectives for this year.”