Laura Peterson

Marketing Coordinator
Headshot Laura Peterson

Why did you choose an insurance or risk management career?

I stumbled into the industry. My mom recommended a job opening to me after I graduated college, and coincidentally enough it was in the insurance industry. It was a great opportunity, and to this day, the insurance industry continues to provide me with new and exciting opportunities!

What have you learned during your time in this industry?

I’ve learned to never stop asking questions. Never stop expanding your skillset, because the industry is evolving. Pay attention to the trends to remain a thought leader.

What are the coolest perks about your company?

The coolest perk to my job is the ability to work remotely! I knew after my first career opportunity post college I wanted a more flexible schedule. I love having the ability to work at the office, in a coffee shop or from the comfort of my own home! It not only provides me with more work/life balance but it also increases my productivity. An office environment isn’t always as conducive for a creative mindset when I am writing, so being able to change up my environment helps.

What’s your favorite thing about your insurance job?

I am always challenged! Every day it is something new. I am challenged to learn new skills to complete projects. I am challenged to understand an industry I came in knowing little about. I am challenged to think outside of the box to be successful in a niche market. I am challenged to become a better writer. I am challenged to be a leader. I am challenged to think like an owner.

What is your advice to others just starting out in this industry?

Ask questions. When I first started in this industry, I thought I had to discover things on my own and teach myself. But that is far from the case. You’re surrounded by experts in the field who may be retiring in the next five years. Use them as resources to grow and learn. Pick their brains and utilize their knowledge. They are great resources and one day you’ll be the expert passing along your knowledge.

What did you study in college?

Majors in communications and public relations with a minor in art.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, you can find me blogging, experimenting in the kitchen with a recipe, trying the newest restaurant in town or at the gym.

Jubilee Edniss

Assistant Underwriter
Headshot - Jubilee Edness

What have you learned during your time in this industry?

One of the major things I learned is that although the industry spans many different product lines and geographic regions, the insurance sector itself is quite small. It’s not uncommon to hear the same names and see the same faces. The insurance industry is reminiscent of Bermuda, where I was born and raised – everybody knows someone that knows someone.

Why do you think people are confused about the insurance and risk management industry?

I believe the confusion lies in the fact that most people associate aptitude in mathematics with a career in insurance. While one should possess an understanding of mathematical concepts, most lines of insurance require an underwriter to think logically and critically.

Another misconception about the insurance and risk management industry is that underwriting is the only possible job. While underwriters seem to be at the forefront of the industry (as they are the most client-facing employees), an insurance company does not function without claims personnel, accountants, actuaries, etc.

The insurance industry is working hard to dispel the confusion, by educating students before they reach the college/university level. In Bermuda specifically, education is filtering down to the middle school level, while high school students can earn the AINS designation prior to graduation.

What did you study in college?

My major was risk management and insurance. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University in New York in 2014.

Tim Cowan

Assistant Actuary
Headshot Tim Cowan

Why did you choose an insurance or risk management career?

I knew that I wanted to be an actuary, and insurance is a very common field for actuaries to work in.

How would you describe insurance or risk management to someone who doesn’t know what it is?

It’s providing more certainty in a very uncertain world.

What is your advice to others just starting out in this industry?

Learn as much as you can about the industry – find opportunities to work on things that will broaden the scope of what you’re able to learn.

Why should someone consider an insurance or risk management career?

It’s an interesting area that provides a lot of opportunities to apply math.

What did you study in college?

Actuarial Science

What do you like to do outside of work?

Playing drums or walking/running in downtown Milwaukee.

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