Nieves in Monserrat, Spain.
Lindsey Nieves ’03 helps to protect some of the world’s largest organizations from terrorism and political violence. She’s an insurance underwriter who specifically assesses the threat of war and terrorism against her clients. The communication major and criminal justice minor says her job is equal parts analyzing and marketing, plus some international travel.
Q: What is your job title and how would you describe your job?
A: My title is underwriter – war, terrorism and political violence. My job is definitely unique. There are only 5 other people in my company around the world who have this same position.
We provide terrorism and political violence coverage for large corporations – hotels, universities, restaurant chains, shopping malls, and other commercial property – both internationally and in the U.S. This coverage protects corporations in the event there is a terrorist attack that affects their property or business operations – events like 9/11 or the Boston Marathon Bombing.
READ: Read in College of Charleston Magazine about an alumna who was one of the first responders at the Boston Marathon Bombing.
It is my job to rate the potential risk of each organization – so I look at things like how many terror targets are within a certain distance of the organization’s location and whether or not the organization participates in controversial or target-type activities (like animal testing or abortions). My job is equal parts analyzing and marketing; it is different every day!
Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
A: I love this job because it is unique and challenging. Every day is different, every risk is different and there is virtually no chance of ever becoming bored. I also love that our company is very forward thinking and innovative. There are all kinds of unique situations that require us to think outside the box – like insuring the transportation of a satellite to a space center – and create solutions for clients vs. just saying no! I also love when opportunities to travel to our international offices come up – it’s great to be part of a global company and global community. I often travel all over the U.S. and to London. I hope to be able to visit our Singapore office in the future!
Q: How did you get this position?
A: When I graduated from College of Charleston I started working as a claims representative at Progressive Insurance. It had nothing to do with my degree but it was a job with a paycheck! I really discovered over time that the job was far more than a paycheck.
I learned a lot of skills – like overcoming objections, negotiating, being analytical, responsive and proactive – that I would not have learned otherwise. Throughout the years I made connections in the insurance world and changed jobs from auto insurance to private risk services where we provided insurance and home appraisals to very wealthy, high net-worth clients. It was here that I realized how BIG the insurance world was. The opportunities seemed endless and I was exposed to all different kinds of specialty insurance coverage during this time.
I found my current job posted on Indeed.com. I had a professional re-master my resume to align my skills with the jobs requirements and just applied. I had two phone interviews and an in person interview and was hired within a month.
Q: What extracurricular activities or classes helped or prepare you?
A: While I was at the College, I wrote briefly for the George Street Observer (now CisternYard Media) and also was on the equestrian team. The GSO was really fun and I loved being creative but also learned about editing my thoughts, working with a group and meeting deadlines. The equestrian team taught me how to balance academics with our practices and shows.
WATCH: See what it is like to work at CisternYard Media.
There are also two classes from which I still use skills today. I adored my public speaking class, which has helped me feel comfortable even today in preparing and presenting to large groups. I also loved my business communications class with Professor Beth Goodier, where we composed real life resumes with proper formatting, worked on group presentations, crafted press releases and presentations. I’m sure things have changed in 10+ years since the “invention” of social media – I would love to go back for a refresher!
Q: What advice would you offer current students?
A: I think my biggest piece of advice is not to pigeonhole yourself into one single path or idea. College is about exploring what you enjoy, learning practical life skills and being open to other ideas. It’s perhaps the only time in your life where you can change your mind and your direction pretty easily!
Treat every single person you meet along the way (including professors!) as a person who could potentially hire you (or recommend you) one day – because it will happen, I promise!
