Adeswa !Hoaes rises up the ranks

Starting as a temporary employee and eventually securing a permanent role is the ideal outcome, as Adeswa !Hoaes’ experience shows.

!Hoaes began at Old Mutual Short-Term Insurance as a temporary archives assistant. When a permanent position as a personal lines underwriter became available, she applied. She says her application was encouraged by her manager, who recognised her work ethic and potential. “She recently passed away, and it touched me very deeply. If it were not for her believing in me, I would probably not have had the courage to apply for the underwriter position," !Hoaes says.

The role of a personal lines underwriter entails assessing and managing personal insurance policies. This includes evaluating risks, drafting and amending policies, ensuring all information is accurate, and complying with internal policies and regulations. “Accuracy and attention to detail are very important in my position.”

She described her experience at Old Mutual as very positive, with the highlight being her appointment to a permanent position. She was also pleasantly surprised by the support and mentorship she received from her team and management.

Reflecting on the challenges she faced since her appointment, she said: “A big challenge was the transition from an administrative role to a more technical and responsible position. It, however, boosted my confidence and motivated me to learn quickly and ask questions where necessary.”  She added that her favourite part of being an underwriter is the analytical aspect, evaluating risks and finding solutions that benefit both the client and the company. 

She hopes to expand her knowledge of underwriting and the wider insurance industry. “My goal is to refine my skills, grow professionally and continue to add value to the organisation,” she said.  On her future plans, she said, “I want to continue growing within the insurance industry and further develop myself as a knowledgeable and reliable underwriter. My dream is to build a long-term career with an organisation like Old Mutual. I also hope to return to university next year to pursue and eventually complete my LLB degree.”