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From Virtual Masterclasses to Underwriting placements: Fatoumata's Story

  • 2 days ago
  • 4 min read

30 Years. 30 Stories.


30 Years 30 Stories of impact at The Brokerage Fatoumata story of securing placements in the city

From Virtual Masterclasses to Underwriting placements: Fatoumata's Story


As part of our 30 Years. 30 Stories. campaign, we’re celebrating the people, journeys and opportunities that have shaped The Brokerage over the last three decades.


Behind every programme, workshop and placement is a story - a young person taking a first step, building confidence and discovering where opportunity can lead.

Fatoumata’s story began in 2020.


Finding opportunity during uncertainty


Fatoumata first joined The Brokerage at the age of 16 after her Economics teacher encouraged her to sign up.

At the time, the world looked very different. It was during the height of COVID-19. Schools had closed, offices had shifted online and opportunities to gain experience or build professional networks felt increasingly difficult to access.


For Fatoumata, The Brokerage became something more than a programme.


"It became a third space for me — somewhere I could continue learning, meet professionals virtually and start thinking seriously about my future career."

Through online masterclasses and events, she was introduced to industries she had only previously heard about, including insurance, property and investment banking. Those early experiences helped her begin imagining herself in professional environments that had once felt unfamiliar.



Building confidence and opening new doors


As she progressed through The Brokerage programmes, Fatoumata continued building both confidence and practical skills.

Career sessions and masterclasses helped strengthen her CV and introduced her to professionals across a range of sectors. One opportunity that particularly stood out involved learning about product recall insurance during a virtual work experience programme.


"That experience showed me how interconnected risk, business and global trade can be."

That experience sparked a genuine interest in insurance and encouraged Fatoumata to continue exploring opportunities.


The confidence she gained also encouraged her to apply for a University of Oxford summer school where she studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). She later went on to study International Relations with Economics at the University of Birmingham, graduating in 2024.


Turning insight into experience


Fatoumata completed an eight-week placement as a Marine Cargo and Specie Underwriting Intern through The Brokerage and went on to secure a further placement, again with help from The Brokerage at The Hartford in London.


Stepping into underwriting initially felt unfamiliar, but over the course of the placement she developed an understanding of the technical side of insurance - from endorsements and front sheets to understanding how risks such as natural disasters influence underwriting decisions.


"The experience gave me a much deeper understanding of what sits behind protecting businesses and global trade."

Beyond underwriting itself, Lunch and Learn sessions also provided exposure to Human Resources, Compliance, Strategy and Claims, helping Fatoumata build a broader understanding of how different teams and functions work together.


Download and share in your networks to show young people 16-25, the impact of joining The Brokerage network:



Learning beyond the placement


One of the highlights of the internship involved working on a group project designed for future programme cohorts and presenting ideas to senior mentors.

The project strengthened her presentation skills and helped build confidence in collaborating with others, contributing ideas and taking initiative.


"It taught me how to think strategically and share ideas in ways that could create value for others."

Looking ahead


Reflecting on her journey so far, Fatoumata describes it as a moment where everything began to connect.


"Looking back, it feels like everything connected together — from the first masterclass I attended at 16, to university and now stepping into early professional roles."

The experience has given her a new level of confidence and curiosity about the insurance sector and reinforced that she is capable of succeeding in environments that once felt unfamiliar.


As she continues building her future, Fatoumata remains excited about where her future.

Because every story starts somewhere.


And after 30 years, stories like Fatoumata's remind us why opening doors matters.


Fatoumata's Key Takeaways


✨ Learn Excel and Word as early as possible — they are essential tools.

✨ When researching, always look for the story and go back to the original source.

✨ During presentations, don't be afraid to take the lead, ask questions or revisit topics later.

"The Brokerage has played an important role throughout different stages of my journey and has helped shape not only my career aspirations, but also my confidence and outlook on what is possible."

 

So “Where is Fatoumata now?”


Fatoumata is currently working at an ai education learning company and continues to be a much-valued supporter of The Brokerage. We'd like to thank Fatoumata for taking the time to share her experiences and continue to champion The Brokerage charity.


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.


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