Program Insider: An In-Depth Look at Tokio Marine's Accelerate Program
Are you a student with a passion for learning, an appetite for challenge, and a drive to kickstart your career? If so, you might find yourself drawn to the unique opportunities offered by Tokio Marine HCC's Accelerate Program.
Tokio Marine HCC is a leading insurance group. Accelerate is a 3-year professional development program at this company that fast-tracks learning for insurance careers in Underwriting or Claims. Accelerate offers in-person conferences, interaction with senior leaders, structured training, and cross-departmental networking for new grads exploring a career in specialty insurance.
In this blog, we'll take you behind the scenes of this program, exploring the experiences of two program participants, Chelsea Boyle and Tess Flexen, as they share their insights and journeys.
Discovering the Opportunity
For Chelsea Boyle, the journey to the Accelerate Program started with a presentation at her college campus. She recalls, "I was drawn to the program because they emphasized that it wasn't necessary to have any prior knowledge or training in the insurance industry to be successful." With a background in English Literature and Computing & Digital Technologies, Chelsea saw a chance to merge her writing and communication skills with her technical abilities in the realm of Cyber Claims handling.
Tess Flexen discovered the Accelerate Program through LinkedIn during her job search. With a background in Business Management and a keen interest in insurance, she targeted companies with early career development programs. When she stumbled upon the Accelerate Program, it seemed like the perfect fit. "Tokio Marine is great,” Tess told RippleMatch. “It’s a great place to work, enhance your career, and make a difference."
The Application Journey
The application process for both Chelsea and Tess was smooth and informative. Chelsea attended information sessions, submitted a video interview, and participated in a group interview that included interactive elements like live presentations and debates. "The whole process was very quick from hearing about the program to receiving my job offer," Chelsea remarks.
Tess's journey started with a response from the job poster on LinkedIn, followed by a series of online assessments and information sessions. The transparent communication and detailed schedule provided Tess with the confidence to pursue the opportunity. "I felt very informed and confident about continuing to pursue this opportunity," Tess recalls.
Exceeding Expectations
For both Chelsea and Tess, the Accelerate Program exceeded expectations. Chelsea notes that the program offered "much more hands-on instruction and personalized training than I was expecting." Tess echoes this sentiment, stating, "After being here for 6 months, I can confirm that this program has overwhelmingly exceeded my expectations."
“The Accelerate program has made me feel appreciated and valued,” Tess said. “With the resources I’ve been provided along with the support and respect I receive, I am confident in myself and the outlook of my career here.”
A Glimpse into the Program Routine
A typical day within the Accelerate Program is far from monotonous. Chelsea's days involve a mix of tasks like conducting calls with vendors, data aggregation, compiling cyber metrics reports, advancing her cyber liability education, and collaborating across various company segments. Tess's days are similarly dynamic, involving discussions with insured parties, data review, training sessions, staying up-to-date with cyber threats, and peer collaboration.
Mentorship and Skill Development
Mentorship is a cornerstone of the program. Chelsea emphasizes the informal mentoring experiences she had, sitting in her manager's office and asking countless questions. Tess highlights her manager's role in providing examples of claims for her to review and analyze, which helped her build essential skills.
“The training and mentorship here have both been critical for my learning and success in my role,” Tess added. “I’m able to overcome obstacles because of the breadth of support around me; my managers are always accessible, my training materials are carefully detailed, and my team members frequently check-in and offer their help, sometimes before I even need to ask!”
Both participants gained a wide array of soft and hard skills, from policy analysis and claims processing to communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.
Favorite Moments and Overcoming Challenges
Chelsea treasures the connections she's built with fellow program participants and the annual Accelerate conference that fosters camaraderie and knowledge-sharing. Overcoming challenges was a shared experience for both participants. For Tess, the steep learning curve of entering the insurance industry without prior experience was the biggest challenge. However, the supportive environment, accessible managers, and detailed training materials helped her navigate these hurdles.
Preparation for Future Roles
Both Chelsea and Tess have leveraged their Accelerate experience in their current roles. Chelsea is an Associate Claims Specialist focused on Cyber Liability, equipped with a foundation in policy analysis, claims processing, and risk assessment. Tess serves as an Associate Claims Specialist in the Cyber and Professional Lines Group. The program not only provided technical skills but also a sense of belonging and confidence.
Words of Wisdom for Future Participants
Chelsea encourages others not to let the fear of the unknown hold them back, emphasizing that "you can have a thriving and sustainable career in insurance." Tess advises students to have confidence in themselves and to take chances, as opportunities may lead to unexpected and exciting career paths.
Tokio Marine's Accelerate Program stands out as a transformative journey for young professionals entering the insurance industry. As Chelsea and Tess demonstrate, this program goes beyond expectations, providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and skill development. If you're seeking a dynamic and supportive environment to launch your insurance career, the Accelerate Program could be the perfect stepping stone. Remember, taking a chance on the unknown might just lead you to a fulfilling and promising future.
Learn more about Tokio Marine HCC here.
