We’re pleased to announce that Chris Thompson, Senior Underwriter for Life Sciences, has been selected for a Rising Star award from Reactions magazine. This was a highly competitive global award, and we are delighted that Chris' talent within Life Sciences has been recognised.
When asked about his experience in the insurance industry and what the industry could do to attract future star talent, Chris had this to say:
"The insurance industry must strengthen its message of the many different interesting segments and career opportunities we offer. A step in the right direction is to work closer with colleges and universities to provide career advice and inform the next generation on the varying roles available within insurance.
Personally, I stumbled across insurance as a career option. I graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and, despite my passion for science, I couldn’t see myself spending my career working in a laboratory — I wanted to work in a business environment.
Once I discovered that insurance offers careers that fuse my knowledge and interest in science with the business world, I jumped at the job opportunity. And I’m glad I did! In addition to my daily responsibilities, I’ve been able to build my own brand, complete an Emerging Leaders course, build and lead a high-performing team, and present at an industry summit in Chicago.
I’m confident that other professionals with science degrees would be open to a career in the business world, rather than the laboratory, if only they knew of the opportunities. There are a number of specialist underwriting areas, such as Life Sciences, Technology, Cyber, Clean Technology and Renewable Energy, that could use the expertise of the qualified, younger generation.
If recruitment consultants and hiring managers target non-insurance individuals who work within specialised industries, we can bring fresh talent to the insurance industry."
You can find the article about the award winners, including Chris, here.