Breaking through: A journey into the insurance world with Olivia Argent

For International Women's Day, we sat down with Olivia Argent , Apprentice and Underwriting Assistant for the Media and Entertainment (M&E) team, to talk about career highlights, role models, and what it's like to start your insurance career at Markel.

What attracted you to the insurance industry?

The industry's reputation as a sociable and dynamic workplace is what attracted me. It’s also a global industry and so there are people from a diverse range of backgrounds, which is exciting as there’s always fresh perspectives to collaborate with. It’s a fascinating place to start a career because insurance touches almost everything. Who would’ve thought I’d have the opportunity to be specialising in Media and Entertainment in this unique way!

Why was it important to start your insurance career at Markel?

Coming straight from school, I was excited to acquire new skills that I had never been exposed to before. Markel's Apprenticeship scheme, coupled with the Media & Entertainment team's promising career prospects, fuelled my excitement for building a successful underwriting journey here.

What have been some of your key highlights since joining Markel?

So far, there have been lots of highlights, both socially and within my role. I’ve built strong working relationships with the Early Careers cohort, my M&E team, and brokers, attending socials and events. I also recently attended Pinewood Studios where I was able to see behind-the-scenes for some of the productions that are put on at the studios, and learned about the history of the studios from our brokers, Gallagher . Having the opportunity to be on a film set really was standout.

I’ve definitely grown in my ability to work independently, which has allowed me to demonstrate my skills and led to lots of personal achievements.

As an apprentice, continuous learning is crucial. How has Markel supported your ongoing education within the field?

Meeting with senior leaders in the business within my first week really helped my understanding of the business and different areas of the industry. Markel’s Early Careers sessions also introduced us to a range of people from across the business, meaning I could learn about the company from the people that know it best. These sessions have been so valuable. They have highlighted the potential they see in us and have demonstrated a path to success. My Manager and Head of Media & Entertainment, Pippa Stone , has also really supported me on my apprenticeship journey. We have regular catch-ups where we monitor my progress, discuss my career path and opportunities, and make sure I’m progressing with my exams and apprenticeship learning.

Can you tell us about some of the projects and responsibilities you’ve worked on in Markel’s Media & Entertainment team, Olivia?

In Markel’s Media & Entertainment team, my responsibilities so far have involved inputting data into our systems, creating and amending documents for underwriters, and shadowing team members for insights into day-to-day responsibilities. Through shadowing, I’ve really got a taste of the role, observing interactions with brokers, the systems and documents underwriters use, and the type of projects we’re insuring for different production companies.

What have been some of your biggest achievements in your role so far?

I’ve definitely grown in my ability to work independently, which has allowed me to demonstrate my skills and led to lots of personal achievements. I’ve been able to underwrite cast forms and provide terms, which a member of my team then confirmed before sending it to the broker. I also have been able to issue employer’s liability certificates and analyse risk assessments, providing my insight and opinions, which I feel have been valued. Along with this, I helped rebrand both the media and entertainment proposal forms, cast forms, quote documents, policy wordings and IPIDS, where I was required to extract information and transfer it into a new format. A particular achievement has been that I was asked to lead a claims report, where I gain the required claims information surrounding a specific risk in order to help the members of my team underwrite the risk as a whole. 

Who is your role model and how have they helped you to achieve your career goals?

I have been extremely inspired by my Manager and Head of M&E, Pippa Stone . As a woman in business, she has demonstrated how to achieve and succeed within a large organisation and is highly respected in Markel, given her 20+ years in the M&E market. She’s been an excellent mentor figure for me, ensuring I am included in broker and social events, sufficient training, and making sure I am comfortable with my progress at work. Further to this, Joanna Browning , Senior Managing Director of People Experience at Markel, really conveys the message of empowerment, development and success, inspiring young women like myself that anything is achievable with the correct mentality.

In celebration of International Women's Day, can you share any advice you have for young women aspiring to enter this field?

The insurance industry has shown itself to be a place where everyone has the opportunity to progress and succeed. It is all about what you put in as an individual and what you can achieve, rather than requiring a specific academic qualification. Additionally, Markel’s culture has been warm, inviting and encouraging from the offset, promoting great career prospects and opportunities where every individual can thrive.

For anyone considering an apprenticeship at Markel, there are no expectations to have existing experience and qualifications in insurance. As long as you are open-minded, ambitious, and determined to succeed, you will go far in a company which has many exciting opportunities!   

Find out more about Early Careers at Markel.