Finding My Place in Gallagher Re's Facultative Team

When I joined Gallagher Re nine months ago as a Junior Broker in the Facultative Energy team, I was completely new to insurance. This was my first role in the industry, so naturally, taking that first step felt daunting. Like many people starting their careers, I wasn't just looking for a job. I was looking for a place where I could learn, grow and feel supported.

Looking back, what stands out most is how welcomed I felt from the very beginning and how quickly I became part of a team that genuinely wanted me to succeed.

A Recruitment Process That Felt Different

Before joining Gallagher, I'd applied for quite a lot of jobs. What made Gallagher stand out wasn't just the opportunity itself, but the people I met throughout the recruitment process. From my first conversation, everyone made me feel comfortable, valued and able to be myself.

As I went through the interviews, I quickly realised there was something different about the culture. I genuinely enjoyed the experience because everyone really made me feel comfortable and was very chatty and well communicative. It felt less like a formal assessment and more like a conversation with people who wanted to get to know me.

When I met the people who would eventually become my team, that feeling only grew stronger. They were approachable, supportive and genuinely interested in who I was as a person. After joining, they were very transparent about why they chose me. They told me,"you were the least experienced person we interviewed, but we thought that your personality would match the chemistry of our team and how we work." Hearing that meant a lot because it showed me that the team values potential, personality and collaboration just as much as experience.

Joining a Team That Feels Accessible

If I had to describe the FAC team's culture, I would say it's balanced, open and genuinely fun. We work hard, but we also enjoy spending time together and supporting one another.

One of the things I appreciate most is how accessible everyone is, regardless of their title or level of experience. It doesn't matter if you're the director of the department or if you're like me, the newest junior broker. We all sit together and there's no kind of unnecessary hierarchy within the team. As someone joining the industry for the first time, that openness made a huge difference.

Starting a new job can feel intimidating, especially when you're learning a completely new industry. But because everybody is approachable and willing to help, I settled in quickly. There is a real sense of trust within the team. If something goes wrong, I know who I can go to. It doesn't feel like I can't say something. That balance between independence and support has been incredibly valuable throughout my journey so far.

Learning Fast and Growing Faster

FAC is a fast-paced environment, and there is no question that the learning curve is steep. Coming into insurance without any previous experience meant there was a huge amount to absorb in a short period of time.

At first, it felt overwhelming. There were moments when my brain was reaching full capacity, but what made the difference was knowing that the team trusted me and encouraged me to get involved from day one. Even as a junior broker, I was included in discussions, decisions and opportunities to contribute.

That early responsibility accelerated my development far more than I expected. As I look back now, I can see how much I've grown. Even if you've been there five minutes, they want you to do your best. While being thrown in at the deep end can feel a little stressful at first, it's really benefited me because it's pushed me to be so much better. Rather than holding people back until they're ready, the team gives you opportunities to learn through experience while ensuring support is always available when you need it.

Investing in Learning and Professional Development

One of the things that has impressed me most about Gallagher is the commitment to helping people develop throughout their careers. Learning doesn't stop after onboarding, and there are opportunities to continue building your knowledge and qualifications.

For me, that support has included pursuing my CII exams alongside my role. Gallagher has funded them for me and has also provided great guidance throughout the process. The support I've received has helped me deepen my understanding of the industry while continuing to develop in my role every day.

What's particularly important is that these opportunities aren't limited to people on formal graduate programmes. It's still an option for you, even if you're not on the grad scheme. If you're eager to learn and develop, Gallagher will support you in achieving your goals.

Why Consider a Career in Facultative?

One of the reasons I enjoy working in the FAC team so much is that there is a genuine culture of collaboration. Everyone contributes, everyone supports each other, and success is shared across the team.

You'll be challenged, expected to contribute and encouraged to continuously grow, but you'll never feel like you're doing it alone. You will be expected to give 110%, but you'll get 110% out of the team as well. Everyone is going to help you, but you've also got to help them. You get what you give.

The FAC team is also in an exciting phase of growth. Being part of a developing team creates unique opportunities to learn, contribute and help shape its future. For me, joining Gallagher Re has been the start of an incredible learning journey. I've grown professionally, built meaningful relationships and become part of a team that continues to challenge and support me every day. And I truly believe there has never been a more exciting time to join the FAC team.