Seamus McGrath - Insurance Management Programme
I joined Quinn-direct in December 2004 working in Credit Control in the Enniskillen office. I applied for the graduate programme while working in the company and got through successfully, starting it in August 2005. Luckily I already knew a lot about the company on starting the programme and so didn't encounter any first day nerves. But as I am from Enniskillen, my new role on the programme involved travelling to Cavan, so there were a lot of new faces for me to meet.
My role for the first year was within the private lines underwriting department, I had a position of maintaining and developing a rating system the company uses for all its motor policies (private, fleet and commercial). It was a role I was given a lot of independence to coordinate with internal and external suppliers. The experience and knowledge gained has being great.
The programme involves studying for the ACII qualification and exams are in April and October. The aim is to achieve this qualification by the end of the two years. A lot of support is available for exams as study leave, lectures and revision seminars are provided. There is also advice available from others within the company who have completed the exams already.
All in all the programme is a great way of rotating around various departments within the company and getting a perspective of the overall structure and workings of the business, as well as hands on experience and meeting a lot of people. When the programme is completed you also have the advantage of knowing what department you like and where your expertise will be used best.
