Insurance risk surveyor

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly
• a graduate training scheme

University

You could get a degree before applying to join an organisation's management training scheme. Most subjects are accepted but you may have an advantage if you study:

• actuarial science
• building surveying
• business and management
• economics
• engineering

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could complete a senior insurance professional degree apprenticeship.

This typically takes about 36 months to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start working as an administrator for a risk team to build up your skills and knowledge.

Your employer may give you the chance to take industry qualifications so you can apply for promotion to risk surveyor when you've got more experience.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant qualifications and experience in a related profession like building surveying, health and safety, engineering or fire safety.

OtherRoutes

Some of the large insurance companies run graduate training schemes. You'll usually need an upper second class degree in any subject to apply.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of economics and accounting
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• thinking and reasoning skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• business management skills
• active listening skills
• knowledge of systems analysis and development
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Insurance risk surveyors carry out surveys of items that need to be insured.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• carry out commercial and personal surveys
• check building plans and fire protection systems
• prepare risk reports and recommendations for underwriters
• advise clients on how to reduce the risk of future insurance claims
• work closely with health and safety inspectors and fire officers
• monitor the work of the risk control team
• keep up to date with technical issues affecting risk, like hazardous materials

Location : You could work in an office or visit sites.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £100,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is 9am to 5pm away from home

Career Path:

You could become a senior surveyor, head of a risk management department, or lead a compliance and governance unit.

You could also move into insurance loss adjusting or set up your own consultancy.