Exploring Unconventional Career Paths at Lloyd’s: Insights from the Chatham Team
On 25th November 2025, students had the opportunity to explore the world of Lloyd’s through a Virtual Assembly hosted by F4S, featuring employees from the Chatham office in Kent. The session provided an inside look at the variety of roles within the company and the unique paths that led the speakers there.
The session began with Dan Taylor, a Member Services Business Graduate, who shared his experience on the two-year graduate scheme. His role involves rotating through four different areas of the business, each for six months, giving him exposure to many aspects of Lloyd’s operations. Dan described the work as diverse and fast-paced, with every day offering new challenges and opportunities to learn from colleagues across the business. Interestingly, his childhood ambition had been to become a fighter pilot in the RAF, showing how career paths can change in unexpected ways. He also highlighted how AI can be a helpful tool for streamlining tasks and analysing data, but stressed that it should complement, not replace, the skills and critical thinking employees develop.
Next, Natasha Turner, Compliance and Oversight Specialist, shared her own unconventional journey. She began her career as a professional golf coach in Spain, achieving remarkable success by becoming fully qualified at just 16 through a competitive scholarship program. However, a surgery setback brought her back to the UK, and she initially had no experience in insurance or compliance. Over time, she found a new career path at Lloyd’s, where the flexibility of the workplace allows her to balance professional responsibilities with being a mum. Natasha’s story demonstrated that career paths are rarely linear and that it’s possible to adapt and succeed even after unexpected setbacks.
Andrew Mires, Operations Manager, shared another unique route into Lloyd’s. Without a college or university degree, Andrew wasn’t sure which career path to take until he found a job advert in a newspaper that led him into the company. He highlighted the importance of learning on the job and using technology, like AI, responsibly — making sure outputs are checked and understood rather than followed blindly.
Throughout the session, students asked practical questions about salaries, office locations, degree apprenticeships, and the use of maths in different roles. Natasha explained that while she personally isn’t a fan of maths, it plays an important part in her work, such as assessing figures, spotting inconsistencies, and valuing property. Students also learned that Lloyd’s has two offices in England, London and Chatham, and have plans to explore whether they can offer work experience at the Chatham office!
By the end of the Virtual Assembly, it was clear that Lloyd’s offers a dynamic and varied workplace, where career paths can be unconventional and opportunities abound. The session provided students with insight into how adaptability, continuous learning, and embracing new experiences can lead to rewarding careers, even in unexpected fields.
