Tom Ross

How did CLS get you ready for the world of work?

I still remember taking my Morrisbey Test when I was 15, which tells you the jobs best suited to you based on your attributes. The second job they suggested was an insurance broker, which is my current role

What was your first job?

Working in a retail store selling high-end clothing. Taught me some key skills at a young age.

Your biggest professional achievement?

Organising a 2-week tour around Australia so that insurers could meet some of our biggest clients. In addition, I stayed in Australia to seek out new business and was successful in doing so.?

Your most challenging professional moment?

Presenting a Townhall to a room of 250 people and 7,000 streaming live online. Very daunting moment!

What inspires and motivates you at work?

Knowing that the harder I work, the more I am noticed by Senior Management. If you have the drive to succeed, the company gives you the tools to do just that.

One piece of advice for pupils and other Old Citizens about getting into your profession?

The insurance industry is very much a “work hard, play hard” environment. Sometimes the hours get a little tough, but there are also fantastic perks in my industry (they sent me to Australia for three months, all expenses paid!). If you want to get into this profession, you need to be extremely personable in addition to some very simple mathematics (mental arithmetic, nothing more required!). You don’t need an economics/maths degree … I studied Geography!