Karl Curran, Associate Director

Posted by The Insurance Institute
Insurance

Karl Curran is an Assosiate Director at Aon Insurance. He completed a two year diploma in Business Studies at DIT after which he was offered a position within Aon. His is currently undertaking a degree in International Finance & Banking with the Institute of Bankers and has begun working towards obtaining the FCII.

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What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?

Whether to leave college after 2 years to take up a job in insurance or take up a degree.

Whether to begin the ACII exams straight away when starting in Aon or wait a few years until I gained experience.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

Close Family, Friends…but probably more so myself.

How did you go about getting your current job?

I was in college and had signed up to do a 4 year course but at the end of the 2nd year (diploma stage) I got an offer to work in Aon on a part time basis coming up to Christmas so I jumped on the opportunity and decided that the 2 years in college had been enough for me.

Describe a typical day?

A typical day would start with me checking emails for any urgent items and addressing those first. We deal with a lot of our international offices so invariably when I arrive into work there are emails from our US offices.

I would then plan my day out, action any items which need to be actioned and perhaps visit a client or insurer later in the day.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

My main responsibility is the client. The most important aspect of my job is managing the relationship with the client which can involve meeting face to face, overseas or indeed simply keeping in touch by phone.

I also need to act as a conduit between the client and the insurance marketplace and keep the client informed on all news from the market.

What are the main challenges?

Main challenges we face at the moment would probably still be cost. Cost is top of everybody’s agenda so that is a huge factor.

Notwithstanding that we try to demonstrate how we add significant value to the client and that helps us to become a trusted partner.

What do you like most?

Winning new business….it’s gives you a great buzz knowing you’ve beaten competition!

I also enjoy meeting clients face to face and talking about their business…you learn so much about their world.

Is there anything that isn't great?

People constantly asking if you can get them cheaper car insurance!

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

I’d like to think that I have good judgement, good communication skills and above all good interpersonal skills. I get on with a lot of people, colleagues and clients alike.

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

I always had a keen interest in business so I always focused on the business modules such as Business Studies, Accountancy and Economics as opposed to say the Science suite.

What is your education to date?

After school I went to DIT and studied business studies for 2 years and gained a diploma. Then when I started in Aon I immediately began working towards my ACII which involved 11 exams.

I obtained my ACII in December 2012. I’m also currently undertaking a degree in International Finance and Banking with the Institute of Bankers and have begun working towards obtaining the FCII.

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

I think college prepared me for the real world. The most important thing it taught me was how to communicate with other people and also socialise.

I think these are very important skills in the business world. Obtaining the ACII has also helped demonstrate my professionalism and commitment to insurance.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

Obtaining ACII & getting promoted.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

I am good at listening and often offer advice or assistance to people in a professional and personal capacity. I’m also quite driven and motivated which also helps.

What is your dream job?

Working in aviation sector. Aviation leasing preferably – random I know!

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Yes, my job allows me the flexibility I desire and also provides good travel opportunities. This is very important to me.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

I would highly recommend this job but I’d say to start taking insurance exams as soon as possible and get them done while you’re young.

I’d also recommend talking to as many people in the industry to see what area of insurance you want to go into i.e. Insurer, Broker, Loss Adjuster etc. – they’re very different!

What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?

Self-motivation, decisiveness and patience.

What is your pet hate at work?

Noisy people!

Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?

As above I’m currently doing the FCII and a degree in International Finance & Banking. I’m also participating in a number of internal Aon courses.

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

Any job in an office environment would provide a good background or jobs where it’s all about the client.

What is your current job title?

Associate Director

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Karl Curran, Associate Director

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