A Day in the Life of a Apprentice

We sat down with Maisy Arnold who joined Aspen as a claims apprentice in March 2024 to find out what a typical day in her role looks like: 

Can you walk us through a typical day in your role?
I usually start by checking any allocations I have in ECF, our claims system. We actually use two systems, one for bureau and one for non-bureau claims, so I’ll clear anything due in one, then move on to the other. 

After that, I normally catch up with one of my mentors, Robin or Lizzie. We’ll go through anything I found challenging on the systems and discuss upcoming tasks I’d like to get involved in. 

Once that’s done, I’ll focus on any projects I’m working on. 

What’s one project you’ve worked on recently that you’re proud of? 

I’d say the Closed Claim with Open Loss Reserve Report. It’s a monthly project where we review, analyze, and refine the report to make it easier for adjusters to identify claims that have been closed but still carry reserves. 

The project has really improved efficiency by flagging and resolving claims that couldn’t previously be processed, often due to system errors or incomplete financial postings. In some cases, it also highlights where claim adjusters need to liaise with brokers to sort out outstanding issues. 

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself since starting this job? 

I’ve realized I can manage more tasks at once than I thought. It often feels like everything needs to be done on the same day, but I’ve learned to prioritize and manage my time without feeling overwhelmed. Creating a clear timeline for each task helps me stay on track and avoid unnecessary stress. 

What motivates you to keep growing in your career? 

For me, it’s about recognizing how early I am in my career. A lot of people my age are still in education, so I see it as an opportunity to keep studying while gaining work experience. I’m about to start my Diploma, and I know that many people complete it later, even after finishing their degrees. Being able to do it now feels like I’m building a strong foundation early on. 

Where do you see yourself in the next few years? 

Hopefully, I’ll have completed my Diploma qualification and progressed into a more senior administrative role within the team. I’d like to gain experience across different product lines too. At the moment, I’m in casualty, but I’d like to explore specialties, and perhaps try insurance as well as reinsurance, to become more versatile. 

What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve received at work? 

Probably to enjoy this stage of my career. Because I’m still young, my managers have reminded me not to take things too seriously and to embrace the learning process. Many people say they wish they’d enjoyed their junior roles more instead of rushing ahead. I like having the right level of responsibility now, where I can keep learning without feeling overwhelmed. 

What do you think has been the biggest positive impact since starting work? 

Definitely my team. They’re incredibly supportive, approachable, and social. It’s not just about sitting at a desk, it’s about building relationships and learning from each other. Having such a positive and collaborative environment has made a huge difference.