How Flexibility and Learning Opportunities Shaped My Career in Claims

When I left school and joined Gallagher Bassett as the 15th employee in the UK, I didn't imagine that I would have such a diverse and exciting career ahead of me. While some may believe that a career in insurance isn't a particularly exciting choice, I've found that the insurance industry is full of opportunities. Our industry really does have a direction for everyone, no matter what you find interesting or would like to specialise in.

For example, if you're interested in preserving the environment, you could work with clients to develop green insurance policies that incentivise eco-friendly practices, or a tech enthusiast might use their expertise to enhance cybersecurity insurance offerings, enabling businesses to protect against digital threats and recover from cyber incidents.

After joining Gallagher Bassett, I quickly realised what a fast-growing and wide-ranging industry claims management can be. I started in a role providing administrative support to various departments and soon transitioned into IT with the company's support.

Gallagher Bassett invested in my development as a network administrator, which enabled me to build my career within the company as a business consultant, business services manager, operational excellence director and most recently, business architect. Gallagher Bassett has encouraged my interest in technology and supported me in obtaining several qualifications throughout my professional journey.

One of the highlights of my career to date was building a partnership with our colleagues in the Gallagher Centre of Excellence. I know how important the work we do at Gallagher Bassett is, so developing these significant technology and operational improvement initiatives gives me a great sense of accomplishment.

I have been fortunate to work for a company that invests in its people through study support, mentorship, flexibility, and an open approach to new ways of working.

To attract the next generation of talent into the claims and insurance industry, I believe we should focus on changing perceptions of what a career in claims looks like and continue promoting flexible work environments — fortunately this point is something Gallagher Bassett and I see eye-to-eye on.

For early career professionals, starting your journey within the insurance industry can enable you to not only shape a career you care about, but also significantly affect people's daily lives. Insurance and claims management play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of homes, livelihoods, businesses and communities.

The breadth of the insurance industry's impact is why there's such a diverse range of opportunities within the industry. No matter your specialty, area of expertise, or special interest, the insurance industry can provide you with the opportunities you need to grow and succeed. I haven't taken the typical career pathway, but because of Gallagher Bassett, I've been able to work, study, and develop my skills and expertise in technology strategy and process improvement. A career in the claims management industry can be a fantastic choice for those wanting to find their niche and make a positive impact while they do it.

I recently spoke about my career journey with Scott Paterson, chief technology officer for Gallagher Bassett Europe, Middle East and Asia. We discussed our shared experiences in the industry, and he shared his advice for growing the next generation of insurance professionals:

"We must focus on recruiting people who are first and foremost passionate about making a difference in others' lives, and then focus on investing in them to develop their career within the industry. There are endless opportunities within a global business like Gallagher Bassett and a diverse array of roles in the insurance space, ranging from underwriting to claims, legal, finance, sales, and marketing. If you want to join an organisation that offers growth, flexible schedules, and supports your learning and development, Gallagher Bassett and the insurance industry is the place to be."

Reflecting on my own career, I couldn't agree more. Visit Gallagher Bassett's careers page to explore a career in claims management.