Classroom to Claims: Owen Harlow's Inspiring Week at the LMA with the LMG's 2024 Futures Academy

Owen Harlow
Work experience student through London Market Group's Futures Academy Programme

Last week, the Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA) had the pleasure of hosting Owen Harlow for work experience through the London Market Group’s 2024 Futures Academy. The Futures Academy is a partnership with Visionpath, offering 150 students an opportunity to learn about specialty insurance over a two-week period.

Owen, a Year 12 student studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Performing Arts, spent time with Jenny Neale, Senior Executive, Claims at the LMA, attending meetings and events while also completing a short challenge with Sanjiv Sharma, Head of Actuarial and Exposure Management at the LMA, to learn about pricing. On his final day, Owen presented his work and participated in a practice interview – both of which he excelled in. At the end of his final day, Jenny caught up with Owen to hear his reflections on his week.

Hi, Owen. We're at the end of your four days with us. How has this week been for you?

It's been really interesting and different from last week. Last week, we were all together as a cohort, whereas this week, it's been great learning about the LMA and different roles.

So, what have you learned with us?

What a working day looks like. It's all well and good being told by someone what work is like but it doesn’t compare to the insight you get from a hands-on experience.

And what about the London insurance market has got you interested?

Because it is specialty, you can relate it to everything! I've learned that it's not restrictive; you can make horizontal moves and try lots of different things. Also, insurance is really friendly.

What would you like to continue to develop?

I'm looking forward to exploring the roles available more. I came in interested in actuarial roles, and I still am, but I'm also keen to explore other roles that are aligned to my interests and passions like performing arts.

Is there anything that we could have done better?

I've found that some of the meetings have gone over my head, but I think it's about experiencing the meetings rather than having to understand everything. I don't think there's anything I would have changed.

Finally, what will you tell your friends and family about your time at the LMA?

It's definitely going to be very positive. I've already been trying to convince my cousin to consider claims as a career – they have an interest in law but want to have a good work-life balance.

Owen, it's been a fantastic week – we look forward to hearing all about what you do next.