At Crawford, we believe in fostering talent from within, so what better way to do so than by extending opportunities to our own circles? That’s why we tailored our new internship and work experience program specifically for the family and friends of Crawford employees.
In May 2024, UK Head of Bids and Presentations, Peter McPartland, was asked to host Jamie Lewis, an undergraduate studying Business Economics at the University of Liverpool, taking him on as an intern at the recommendation of a Crawford employee for the first of four “rotations” inside the business.
Peter McPartland said, “When taking Jamie on for his four-month placement with my team, the truth was that, up to that point, I’d never given thought to what we would offer an intern or what they’d contribute in return.”
But Peter recalls that, with no “business baggage” or ingrained thinking from any previous roles, Jamie’s fresh perspective allowed him quickly and confidently to suggest new ideas which enhanced the team’s own thinking. His attention to detail and genuine desire to assist colleagues who needed additional support was invaluable.
Peter adds “This meant we became even more productive and there was a tangible, positive impact on the momentum of our projects. Through this, Jamie also enriched the bid executives’ appreciation of their own individual talents.”
Jamie says of this experience “On meeting Peter on my first day, he pointed out that the internship was something new to both of us, so we agreed that every member of the team should commit to ensuring that we all learnt and benefitted from this opportunity. And Peter’s leadership skill in creating an environment for constructive challenge and development of new ideas was something that became apparent very early on. Reflecting on my time with the Bids and Presentations team, I genuinely could not have hoped for more.”
Peter summarised with
“Looking back, Jamie and I both agree that his time with the Bids and Presentations team was an unexpected gift for us all. My message for all Crawford leaders is that, yes, we have a lot to offer an intern – but this experience shows that they in turn can also bring a wealth of value to you and your teams.”
Internships are the perfect gateway for those who want to explore the dynamic world of insurance, regardless of their prior experience or educational background.
Right now, we’re looking at ways to expand and improve the scheme for 2025. As soon as more details are available, we’ll share them with you – so watch this space!
