Amelia Dunn, Trainee Account Executive at ITIC, speaks to us about her career journey in shipping and professional indemnity insurance.
It can feel overwhelming when embarking on the journey of finding your first job. However, Amelia Dunn, who currently holds the position of Trainee Account Executive at ITIC, believes that maintaining the right mindset and determination can make anything achievable.
Amelia began her career at ITIC in November 2022, when she was appointed Board Administrator. At that time, she was working as a sailing instructor and decided that it was time to find a more “formal” job. With a degree in economics, she asked all her contacts, and a family friend informed her about the administrator position at ITIC. She submitted her CV and was invited for an interview; the rest, as they say, is history.
“My role as the Board Administrator was a steep learning curve, but it was also a fantastic opportunity to immerse myself in ITIC’s business and the maritime industry. Despite my lack of prior experience in the maritime industry and professional indemnity (PI) insurance, I was able to adapt and learn quickly,” shared Amelia.
Although ITIC is primarily recognised for its presence in the maritime industry, it is also active in the aviation, offshore, and energy sectors. While these industries may seem vast and complex at first, they offer numerous opportunities for entry-level employees.
After a year and a half with the company, the trainee account executive position became available. Encouraged by her managers, she applied for it.
Her daily tasks include managing members’ accounts, following up on client renewals, and identifying opportunities for new business development. Amelia is currently responsible for nearly 200 members, and she especially enjoys speaking with insurance brokers and members to gain insights into their respective areas of business.
Currently, she is responsible for the south coast and southwest of the UK, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, and Norway. Even though she is technically a trainee account executive, she is encouraged to be proactive and receives much support from the rest of the team.
“I am excited about the future. Each sector within ITIC provides unique underwriting and contract opportunities, and we try to provide tailor-made solutions to each member. As businesses are unique and different from each other, so is my work, with no two days being the same. There is a lot of career progression, and I am especially interested in the superyacht side of the business,” she added.
In addition to receiving ongoing training from ITIC’s legal and claims department, she is also pursuing her Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers certification part-time.
Amelia stresses the importance of strong personal and organisational skills, as well as the need for effective time management. Being naturally curious and open-minded is also advantageous.
Building connections with people who work in the industry can be highly beneficial for those unsure where to begin when pursuing a career in shipping.
“Shipping is an amazing industry to work in. The most important thing anyone can do is to put themselves out there. Sign up for seminars, interact with people in the industry in person or by using LinkedIn, ask questions, and read extensively. It’s a fast-moving industry and fun to work in,” Amelia concluded.
For more information on ITIC, go to https://www.itic-insure.com/.
