Marie Cronin of McMahon Galvin Insurance Brokers speaks about the path her career in insurance has taken so far – from her first days in the JLT post room to working with insurers all around Ireland and the UK.

Tell us about a typical day for you, Marie.

I’m Client Account Executive for McMahon Galvin Insurance Brokers in Dublin. I love working here; I’m very passionate about what I do. My employers John and Peter offer so much encouragement, both in obtaining qualifications and developing my experience. Thanks to their mentoring and support, I recently obtained my Professional Diploma in Insurance (CIP) qualification after passing my final exam in September.

I can’t really say that I have a typical day – no two days are the same and I love that.

My tasks vary from securing reductions in premiums for existing clients and obtaining competitively priced quotes for prospective customers, to guiding clients through the claims process and ensuring the settlement process is as smooth and painless as possible.

My role allows me to help people with their insurance needs by helping protect what matters most to them. I build relationships with colleagues, clients and insurers all over Ireland and the UK. It can sometimes feel like you are chatting to a friend on the phone and that certainly helps makes my job easier and my day more enjoyable!

I plan to undertake more qualifications with the support of my employer and I look forward to developing my career as an insurance professional. I would highly recommend a career within the insurance industry – the sky is the limit!

What is your first memory of working in insurance?

Having completed my Leaving Certificate in 2006, I knew college was not for me. I wanted to go straight into the working world but I also knew I didn’t want ‘just a job’. I wanted a career with room for progression so I did some research online and I began applying for positions in the insurance industry. I started out in the post room in JLT Insurance Brokers, opening sacks of post and distributing the post to the Brokers. I remember having an interest in reading about the different insurance covers and I knew then and there that insurance was for me!

What has been an invaluable piece of advice that you received and passed on?

Find out what you like doing best, and get someone to pay you for it. I got that advice from the Guidance Counsellor in secondary school and it has always stuck with me.

What would we find on your desk at work that is specific to you?

My own desktop calendar with quirky quotes and memes – It is nice to have something quirky and personal to you on your desk that represents a part of your character.

What do you love to do outside of work?

Spend time with my family and friends. I love to take photographs too, I am always taking pictures when I am out and about.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Learning! You are always learning in the insurance industry and that is what keeps me interested.

It never fails to amaze me just how many things wouldn’t happen without insurance. I even set up a Twitter account where I post about the latest news within the insurance industry so that I always have it to hand and I like to read posts from other insurance professionals too.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the insurance industry?

Start as young as possible and get your qualifications as soon as you can. I learned the hard way that trying to study while working full time and being a mother to two children is quite difficult! A lot of young people dismiss insurance as a possible career path as they think it is ‘boring’ but it is far from boring – it’s so rewarding, interesting and diverse.