Two years ago Kieran started out with Sense Risk as an apprentice. He had little knowledge of the insurance industry and was immersed into a new world of acronyms and specialist terms, which you can read in his starting my apprenticeship blog. Now as he moves on from Sense Risk to explore other avenues, we asked him to write a few words about what he has learnt and will take forward with him as well as any memorable experiences he had.
1. What initially attracted you to join our team?
Initially I was attracted to Sense Risk by the business’s values and their determination to support small businesses through their perils and risks by offering a high standard of advice.
2. Can you describe your first day or week at the company?
When I started here in September 2022, I was new to the professional sector. This meant that my first week was like diving into the deep end headfirst without knowing how to swim. But with Emily and Steve’s support, I was able to stay afloat and learn the sector.
3. What were some of the most memorable projects or tasks you worked on?
Looking back over the last two years, some of my most memorable projects I have worked on have been creating an insurance package for a couture fashion business in London, property portfolios and my most recent task of training Sense Risk’s latest apprentice, Eloise.
4. What skills or knowledge did you gain that you feel will be valuable in your future studies or career?
Over the past two years, I have gained and developed various skills and widened my knowledge greatly. Some of these skills have been and will continue to be invaluable to me. In particular, communication amongst a team and to clients / customers, a professional writing style which has aided me immensely in my university assignments along with my adaptability and problem solving.
5. Were there any challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I have had to face here was that of building confidence to enable me to perform to the highest level. Coming into the industry with no experience and having to advise underwriters on a risk can be daunting, but by spending time understanding the risk and the business and speaking to underwriters regularly, your confidence builds up and soon it becomes natural. I also built confidence by attending BNI every week, which in the beginning was my least favourite part of the job due to the presenting to a room full of people, but again regularly attending BNI Hawke helped me become a more confident person with the support of Emily.
6. How would you describe the company culture and your interactions with colleagues?
The company’s culture is that of a friendly, sociable but professional environment that nurtures its employees and offers them flexibility while working.
7. What advice would you give to someone new joining the team?
To anyone new joining Sense Risk, if you are new to insurance or experience, stick with it despite sometimes it feeling as though there is so much information and daunting, as it can be truly rewarding, and you will find it hard to find a more nurturing, friendly business to start or continue your career.
8. What will you miss the most about working here?
The thing I will miss most about working here is the people here at Sense Risk. Having that friendly environment where you can laugh and joke whilst also the seriousness and professionalism remaining intact and having the support of the business behind you.
9. How do you think your experience here has prepared you for your next steps?
My experience has prepared me greatly for my future giving me the confidence in myself and the determination to pursue my goals with a platform I have developed at Sense Risk.
10. Any final thoughts or messages for your colleagues and the company?
A final thank you to Sense Risk for all the support, time and flexibility you have given me. Thank you for also understanding when I decided to go to university. Good luck to you all!
It’s been great to have Kieran as part of the Sense Risk team and we wish him the best of luck as he focuses on university and all that the future holds.
