From Physics Student to Marine Business Analyst: How The Brokerage Helped Bevin Discover a Career in Insurance
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
30 Years. 30 Stories.
From Physics Student to Marine Business Analyst
How The Brokerage helped Bevin discover a career she never expected.
As part of our 30 Years. 30 Stories. campaign, we're celebrating the journeys that have shaped The Brokerage over the last three decades.
Every young person starts somewhere.
For Bevin, it began with a career adviser, a simple email and a willingness to explore opportunities beyond the classroom.
What followed was a journey that took her from studying Physics at university to building a career in the insurance industry - an industry she had never originally planned to work in.
A first step towards the unknown
Bevin first joined The Brokerage in 2018 after her school's careers adviser shared information about the charity's employability programme. Advice to young people - open and READ your emails!
Looking back, she says she didn't fully appreciate how valuable that opportunity would become.
At school, finding work experience felt like something everyone was expected to do. It wasn't until later that he realised why.
Many young people simply don't have family members or professional networks who can introduce them to careers, arrange work shadowing or explain what opportunities exist.
The Brokerage helped bridge that gap.
"Getting exposure to professional careers early on made a huge difference. It helped set me up for where I am today."
Discovering a different career path
Like many students, Bevin thought she already knew where her future was heading.
Investment banking was firmly on her radar as her school was sponsored by UBS
However, conversations with The Brokerage encouraged her to explore industries she hadn't previously considered.
Insurance was one of them.
With a background in Physics, she was encouraged to think about how transferable her analytical skills could be.
Before starting university, Bevin secured an insurance internship through The Brokerage.
She loved it.
That experience completely changed the direction of her career trajectory.
"I was recommended to try insurance and really enjoyed it. Because of that, I continued to pursue insurance - and that's where I'm working today."
Learning through experience
Throughout university, Bevin stayed connected with The Brokerage, continuing to attend seminars and careers events while applying for further opportunities.
A second internship through one of The Brokerage's employer partners strengthened both his CV and her confidence.
Throughout the recruitment process, Bevin received interview coaching and guidance from The Brokerage's Recruitment Placement Lead, helping her prepare for interviews, understand employer feedback and develop his interview technique.
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"That support really helped me understand what interviewers were looking for and how to approach different questions."
Those experiences ultimately helped her secure a place on the AXA XL Graduate Scheme.
Building a career in insurance
Today, Bevin works as a Marine Underwriting Business Analyst at AXA XL, having successfully completed the company's two-year graduate programme.
Her role combines analytical thinking with project delivery, supporting initiatives that improve underwriting operations and business processes across the organisation.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue developing her career within project management while remaining within the insurance sector.
"I enjoy variety and working on projects that improve the business and create positive change."
Staying connected
One experience that particularly stands out wasn't an internship or interview - it was returning to The Brokerage as an alumnus.
At a networking event bringing together alumni from different generations, Bevin joined conversations about the challenges facing today's young people and how employers and charities can better support the next generation.
For her, it perfectly reflected what The Brokerage has always been about: sharing experiences, learning from one another and creating opportunities together.
Advice to future candidates
Bevin's advice for young people considering joining The Brokerage is simple.
"There are absolutely no downsides to joining. Everything you learn will be useful at some point in your life."
She believes the support doesn't stop once you secure your first role.
"The career support remains valuable long after you've graduated or started work. I've recommended The Brokerage to all of my friends' younger siblings."
Opening doors to future careers
Bevin's journey is one of thousands that demonstrate why The Brokerage's work continues to matter. For 30 years, we've been helping young people access opportunities, build confidence and explore professional careers they may never have considered possible. From CV workshops and internships to mentoring and long-term career support, every opportunity has the potential to shape a future.
As part of our 30 Years. 30 Stories. campaign, we're proud to celebrate alumni like Bevin whose journeys show the lasting impact that early access to opportunity can have—not just in securing a first role, but in building a successful and fulfilling career.
Stories like Bevin's are only possible thanks to the commitment of our employer partners, volunteers and funders. We are especially grateful to the Worshipful Company of Insurers, whose longstanding support has helped generations of young people discover careers within the insurance industry and beyond.
Finally, our sincere thanks to Bevin for sharing his journey as part of our 30 Years. 30 Stories. campaign. We look forward to following the next chapter of your career and celebrating your future successes.
Bevin Profile:
Joined The Brokerage: 2018
Education: BSc Physics with Business Studies, University of Warwick
Current Role: Marine Underwriting Business Analyst, AXA XL
Programme Highlights:
CV workshops
Mock interviews
Employer seminars
Two insurance internships
Graduate scheme support
Key statements:
"I thought I wanted investment banking—The Brokerage introduced me to insurance, and I never looked back."
"Getting exposure to professional careers early on helped shape where I am today."
"The Brokerage didn't just help me find opportunities—it helped me discover the right career."
"Everything you learn through The Brokerage will be useful at some point in your life."
"The support doesn't stop when you get your first job."
"I've recommended The Brokerage to all of my friends' younger siblings."
If you have been part of The Brokerage programmes over the last 30 years – we’d like to know “Where are you now?” get in touch by emailing: partnerships@thebrokerage.org.uk
Help The Brokerage
Our goal for 2026/27: to support 5,000 young people.
How can you help?
Make a donation: £100 connects one young person with the world of work (include donation QR code on post)
Partner with us: Create a tailored partnership through volunteering, internships, or work experience opportunities that benefit young people while supporting your community impact goals.
Donate space: Provide event, meeting, or office space to help reduce costs and direct more funding towards supporting young people.
Volunteer your time: Give just a couple of hours to run workshops, support mock interviews, share career insights, or mentor a young person—helping broaden horizons and build confidence.
Contact partnerships@thebrokerage.org.uk
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