Slice of life
Working in risk can be rewarding - see what Deborah Cowan has been up to recently.
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Deborah Cowan
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Tell us a bit about your current role and what you enjoy about it
I'm on my latest rotation on the Eldon Graduate Programme, working for the Recoveries department. I pursue third party insurers, third parties directly or policyholders for reimbursement of our outlay depending in the circumstances of the claim. I have to establish if claims have been reported and if liability has been accepted, before sending out our billing documents. Thereafter I chase up our outstanding debts and make decisions on whether to litigate or abandon aged debt claims. I enjoy the Graduate Programme as I get to experience a claim from the beginning to the very end and gain experience in how each team within my company operates.
Where is your office?
Eldon Insurance is situated in the centre of Newcastle, near the Tyne Bridge. The company has over 200 employees with a wide variety of skills and experience.
What's a normal day like there?
I haven't experienced a 'normal' day at Eldon yet! No two days are the same. It's always very busy and there is always something else to do on top of handling your own files.
What's the variety in your role?
There is a lot of variety to my role. There is always something new to learn and various different projects to get involved in. Being on the Graduate Programme means I am regularly changing departments, learning new procedures and meeting new people which I really enjoy. I am also working towards my CII professional qualifications so there is always a specific target to aim for.
What are the people like?
There are many smart people at Eldon with loads of knowledge about insurance and claims handling - they are always available to give advice. There are also school-leavers who have gone through Eldon's training academy, graduates on the training programme and several qualified CII members. Eldon promotes development and training of all employees and encourages individuals in their progression.
Any unusual experiences?
Before working at Eldon I wasn't aware of the full extent of fraudulent claims made. Spending time in our Fraud team has shown me a variety of the strange and sometimes ridiculous things people will say and do to attempt to make a fraudulent claim.
Is it work hard, play hard?
Definitely. After a long hard week it's not unusual for Eldoners to meet up for drinks on the Quayside on a Friday night. As Eldon also has a flexi system in place we are also rewarded with flexi days for putting in the extra hours.