GCU London students secure internship role with highly regarded risk and insurance body

GCU London students have secured an internship with Airmic; UK-based association and representative body for professionals within the risk and insurance industry.

Students from the MSc in Insurance and Sustainable Risk Management programme were delighted to have been accepted onto a career-enhancing internship programme, which was advertised to them by their programme leader Dr Madhusudan Acharyya.

Students Yetunde Ogunsanya and Opeyemi Hassan have since had the chance to gain a valuable insight into the industry and apply the knowledge that they have both gained on their programme at GCU.

Yetunde was delighted to have received the news that she was accepted onto the programme. She explained: “It was truly an incredible feeling to receive the news of my acceptance into the internship programme. Having invested time and effort into researching the organization, understanding the job duties, and preparing for the interview, I felt a sense of validation and accomplishment. The interview experience itself was positive, further heightening my anticipation.”

Opeyemi was especially relieved to have been given the positive news, after applying for multiple positions. He said: “After facing rejections from multiple companies, I felt relieved and reassured, certain that my efforts would eventually lead to success. If I persevered and continued pursuing new opportunities, I would have a yes that would allow me to excel.

I am thrilled to join Airmic as an intern. I feel welcomed and elated that this organisation will provide a platform for me to thrive and shine in any position where I can contribute value.”

Now that both students have started their internship, they’ve had the opportunity to challenge their course knowledge and even develop themselves through colleague shadowing and training.

Yetunde explained: “I've had the privilege of contribute to ongoing projects within the organization. Whether it's conducting research, analysing data, or preparing reports, each task has allowed me to make meaningful contributions and see the impact of my work first-hand.

I also had the chance to enhance my professional skills and knowledge. From risk management techniques to industry trends, these learning opportunities have been instrumental in my growth and development.”

Opeyemi added: “Since I started the internship, I have had the opportunity to work on the popular Airmic Friday Reading archive. This has allowed me to apply what I have learned in a practical setting.

I have been involved in inputting resources into the database, utilising my background in international relations, risk management, and insurance to code each entry by category and keywords.

Additionally, I have had the chance to shadow an experienced colleague and attend training sessions. I have gained valuable insights into industry news trends and contributed value through promptness. It has been a great learning experience that has helped me develop personally and professionally. I am looking forward to taking on more responsibilities as the internship progresses.”

Having witnessed the benefits of applying yourself and taking advantage of opportunities, both Yetunde and Opeyemi want to pass on some words of advice to their fellow students.

Yetunde explained: “For those looking to apply for an internship, my advice is to approach the process with thorough preparation and genuine enthusiasm. Start by thoroughly researching the organization you are interested in. Understanding their mission, values, and the specifics of the role will help you tailor your application effectively. This level of preparation shows prospective employers that you have a genuine interest in their work and are serious about contributing to their team.”

In particular, Yetunde wanted to highlight the importance of CV writing, interview preparation and networking with those in the industry that you would like to work in. She added: “When preparing your application, ensure that your CV and cover letter are customized to highlight your relevant experiences and skills. Emphasize how your background makes you an ideal fit for the internship, drawing connections between your previous work or academic experiences and the requirements of the role. This tailored approach will make your application stand out.

Interview preparation is another crucial step. Practice common interview questions and be ready to provide specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements. Additionally, be prepared to discuss why you are particularly interested in the organization and how the internship aligns with your career goals. Your enthusiasm and understanding of the role can make a significant difference.

Networking can also be a valuable tool in your application process. If you know someone who works at the organization or has interned there before, don’t hesitate to reach out to them for insights and advice. Networking can provide you with insider information and potentially boost your application.”

Opeyemi wanted to emphasise the importance of researching the company or organisation that you’re looking to apply for. He also wanted to encourage other students not to be disheartened if they have been unsuccessful in other applications.

He said: “Potential applicants should thoroughly research the company and internship position of interest. This research will help highlight how an applicant’s skills and experience align with the company’s values and objectives, significantly increasing their chances of success.

In addition, networking within the industry and connecting with professionals provides valuable insights and potentially opens up new horizons. Do not be discouraged by rejections, as each application and interview is a learning experience that can help you improve and succeed in the future.

Lastly, do not underestimate the power of volunteering when relevant opportunities arise. Emphasising applicable volunteer experience and skills can create a strong positive impression on employers.”

By Rachael McAlonan

Got a SCEBE or GSBS story? Email me at Rachael.McAlonan@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on social media