Graduate Profiles

Miles Hunter

I graduated from the University of Calgary (Canada) in 2003 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree focused on Finance and Risk Management/Insurance. By the time I graduated, I was fairly certain that I wanted to be an insurance underwriter. My decision was influenced by advice from my professors and mentors, and by the fact that I enjoyed the insurance courses that I took. I felt that I had an aptitude for quantitative, analytical work and also enjoy the more social aspects that underwriting had to offer.

After several interviews it quickly became apparent that Aspen appealed to me. I preferred its young, dynamic atmosphere, solid leadership, and lead market position to many of the other firms I interviewed with. When I was offered a job here, I jumped at it.

Unlike many of Aspen's other graduates, I did not begin my career on the underwriting side of the business. Instead, I spent the first six months in Aspen's Corporate Development Department where I coordinated the company's licensing applications. At the time I joined, I was actually more interested in underwriting but considered it a good idea to get my foot in the door at Aspen. Looking back, I believe it was a good choice. My time in Corporate Development was very rewarding and the knowledge and contacts I gained there have proven very useful in underwriting.

As a new graduate I spent my first couple of years just trying to understand insurance and trying to contribute. My day to day activities included tedious tasks like photocopying and scanning, but I was offered the opportunity to participate in Aspen's exclusive graduate training programme and to observe the business being transacted by underwriters at Lloyd's of London. I was immediately exposed to technical analysis and high pressure negotiation and was included on business trips to the United States where I met clients and gained exposure to the world of reinsurance. Aspen also encouraged me to work towards a professional designation and supported my learning in its own graduate training programme.

My job is undeniably challenging and there is certainly pressure to perform, but it features reasonable hours, a good balance between social interaction with brokers and clients and technical analysis, and plenty of opportunities for advancement. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this line of work to anyone with ambition and an interest in business.