Rising stars
“Companies are investing more into training and development of young talent. Getting into the Munich Re America trainee programme has been key to my development.”
Name:
Vanessa Contreras
Company: Munich Re America Job:
AVP, Professional liability underwriter
Timeline: May 2014: AVP, professional liability underwriter, Munich Re America
January 2012: Professional liability underwriter, Munich Re America
June 2009: Risk analyst, Munich Re America
Feb 2007: Auto quote and bind, State Farm Insurance Company
Describe your career so far and current role. As a professional liability underwriter I am responsible for underwriting, pricing and supporting a portfolio of new and renewal business in accordance with Munich Re America guidelines, strategy and profitability standards. I analyse risk, evaluate various coverage options, price and assist in contact negotiations for medical and non-medical reinsurance deals.
Why did you choose the re/insurance industry? I chose to go into the insurance industry after working part-time with State Farm during college. Shortly after that I decided to add risk management & insurance as a major and got involved with The Katie School of Insurance at Illinois State University. I knew right away that I wanted to go into underwriting but in a specialty line capacity. I spent time at Lloyd’s of London and decided professional liability was what I wanted to focus on.
Do you think the industry is attractive to young professionals? As an industry, I believe we can do a much better job of attracting
young talent early on. The good news is that things are changing. For example, Munich Re America now has intensive professional internship and global trainee programmes that provide future leaders with hands-on learning, and a front row seat to the exciting career opportunities that exist within our industry.
Do you think the re/insurance industry offers good opportunities and career development to young professionals? There is tremendous opportunity in re/insurance for young professionals. They just need to be willing to be patient and put in the hard work and effort it takes to succeed in a very experienced industry. Companies are investing more into training and development of young talent. Getting into the Munich Re America trainee programme has been key to my development within reinsurance and I highly recommend it to anyone who is coming out of school and interested in reinsurance.
What are your aspirations for the future? I very much enjoy professional liability and hope that, some day, I can continue to be involved in underwriting but also manage a team. I find the healthcare and cyber liability lines of business extremely interesting and I look forward to seeing where those lines take this industry.
If you had chosen a different profession/career path, what would it have been? If I had to choose a different profession I think I would move into the healthcare sector. I do a lot of research and work daily within the medical field and the whole thing intrigues me more than I would have expected. I could see myself going into nursing and finding fulfilment in helping others.
May 2015 | INTELLIGENT INSURER | 19
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