Calamity can come when you least expect it. Earlier this month Genci Gestila, a Greek waiter living in London, was enjoying a mid-week pint by the Thames when he heard a splash and the shouts of a damsel in distress.
Instantly, the 21-year-old’s military training kicked in and he dived into the cold water and pulled the woman to safety.
When it comes to a crisis, people fall into two categories: those like Genci who click into hero mode and those who turn into quivering wrecks.
It’s those who make calm, informed decisions under pressure who are the ones you want around when things go wrong.
Step into the spotlight, then, the loss adjusters – heroes of the insurance world called upon when the worst happens.
Loss adjusters are specialists who take an in-depth look at complex or contentious claims for insurance companies. The size and nature of these claims means there’s a lot of pressure to get it right.
Their first task is to establish the cause of any loss and whether it’s covered by the policy. They then write a report to the insurance company and recommend how much payment is due.
Sometimes, they may have to work with other insurers to figure out the spread of liability.
Loss adjusters are different to loss assessors who are working on behalf of a policyholder who needs to make a large or complex claim.
Lots of in-house training means the routes to this role are many. A good set of school grades and a can-do attitude get you in the door and working in claims handling before progressing to loss adjusting.
You can also gain entry through an apprenticeship. Some of the larger firms offer formal graduate training schemes for those with a second-class degree or higher.
This is also a popular second career for those who can bring skills from other areas in finance.
Whether you choose to work for a large firm or specialist in-house team within an insurance company, you can earn between £30,000 and £60,000 once you’ve earned your stripes.
The size of the insurance sector means there’s also a lot of scope for career progression. Glasgow, in particular, is a hot bed of insurance recruitment.
So wait not a moment longer!
It’s time to don your shiny superhero tights and head to s1jobs . . . and an insurance role to help you fly high.