Starting your career can feel overwhelming, just ask Jeff, who was a junior at Roosevelt University, in the US, trying to figure out what came next. Today, he’s thriving in our cyber team in Chicago through the Corporate Risk and Broking (CRB) Graduate Development Program (GDP). His journey is proof that sometimes the best opportunities come when you least expect them. Read about his experience that allowed him to transform his tomorrow.
Finding a role at WTW can look different for everyone.
I chose to apply to the CRB Graduate Development Program by chance, if I’m being honest. I was a junior at Roosevelt University trying to figure out what I wanted to do after graduation. I came across the CRB internship listing, liked WTW’s mission and core values and applied. A few weeks later I was invited to interview. Three rounds later, I was offered the internship and placed on the cyber team in Chicago. After a successful summer, I received a return offer to join the Graduate Development Program as a Cyber Analyst. Accepting was a no-brainer. I’ve never known a career that offers so many growth opportunities, promotes work-life balance and provides the chance to travel like this one.
Learning and development that progresses careers.
One of my favorite training experiences was the weeklong orientation in New York. We met C-suite executives and heard about their career paths and the habits that helped them succeed. Many of them started as interns or stumbled into insurance without prior knowledge, which was reassuring because I felt like I had stumbled into the industry too. It was also a great opportunity to network with other graduates across different cities and build strong relationships within my own office.
The speaker series has also been a huge part of my development. Each month, first- and second-year graduates hear from leaders on business topics and personal growth. I remember a session on personal branding: what people think of when they hear your name. You want to be known for delivering excellent work, responding quickly and taking accountability when mistakes happen. Another key lesson was the importance of asking questions. Cyber is constantly evolving and no one knows everything. Knowing who to go to and being comfortable asking questions is a game changer and strengthens team bonds.
Unexpected opportunities turned into career growth.
A major highlight was attending the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) conference in Chicago. Typically reserved for executives and senior colleagues, I had the opportunity to help run WTW’s booth with three colleagues. I made sure clients and prospects found the WTW Hub for their meetings. It may sound small, but the exposure was eye-opening. I connected faces to names and gained insight into how we build relationships. Hearing senior leaders share stories about running the booth early in their own careers reinforced the long-term opportunities available at WTW.
Learning from leaders.
From my senior colleagues, I’ve learned three core lessons: relationships matter, never overpromise and confirm everything. Strong relationships make business easier and expand your network. Never overpromise because market conditions can shift quickly and so transparent communication is critical. And always confirm details in writing to create a clear paper trail.
Preparing skills for the future.
The program strengthened my skills by emphasizing personal branding, collaboration and asking questions. When I first reviewed a cyber policy, I didn’t know what I was looking at. By leaning on experienced teammates and asking questions, I built the knowledge to confidently explain coverage to clients. Over time, clients began associating my name with expertise and responsiveness. That growth came directly from collaboration and using the resources around me.
Advice for those wanting to follow in Jeff’s footsteps.
My advice? Get organized early, especially your email. Create folders, name everything clearly and stay ahead of deadlines. Communicate proactively if timelines are tight. Take advantage of access to executives, no one will turn down a coffee chat. Network early and often, get involved in organizations that interest you and build relationships across the industry. Most importantly, have fun. This career offers incredible experiences, take full advantage of them.
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