PHLY Summer Associates

Hi everyone! My name is Madison Brown, and I’m entering my sophomore year at the University of California, Berkeley where I’ll be applying to the Haas School of Business in November (wish me luck!). This summer I’m working as an Underwriting Intern for the Environmental department in the Walnut Creek, CA field office.

What do you enjoy about your position here at PHLY?

I love being an Underwriting Intern in the Environmental department because I get to see how each of my team’s decisions affects businesses and the environment every day. In just a few weeks, I’ve learned an incredible amount about the underwriting process and the different types of environmental coverage we offer. And with a small team and lots of business, there are so many opportunities to gain hands on experience. 

Why are you interested in the insurance industry?

Insurance is an industry where building relationships and creative thinking are essential. Even though my internship with Philadelphia Insurance just began, I have already enjoyed meeting so many new people and being challenged every day. I have been introduced to unique products that I never knew existed before, and I am excited to discover more about underwriting and how PHLY differentiates its services. 

What are some of your hobbies?

I love going to the beach, baking, hiking, travel, volleyball, DIY projects, trying new restaurants, camping --- basically anything outdoors or food-related (especially a combination of the two J)

What is your favorite quote and why?

Dr. Seuss is pretty much the master of great quotes, but my favorite is, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

Hello! My name is Jeffrey Gruba. I’m a rising senior at St. Olaf College double majoring in Environmental Studies and Political Science with a concentration (minor) in Management. I’m working in Chicago and Naperville, Illinois as part of the Environmental Underwriting team.

 Serious Questions:

What is your favorite thing about PHLY?

So far, my favorite aspect of PHLY is the staff. All the employees I’ve met, from my manager to my team members, fellow interns, and many others in the field and home offices have been welcoming and appear dedicated to PHLY’s culture of hard work and camaraderie. As it’s only the second full week of the program, I’m sure there will be many more facets of PHLY to which I’ll gain exposure. I look forward to learning more about PHLY over the coming months!

 What has been your favorite experience so far at PHLY?

I loved the Summer Associates orientation at the Home Office in Bala Cynwyd. I’m not aware of many other companies that fly their interns to headquarters for orientation and cover room and board too, so that struck me as unique and welcoming! The opportunity to meet all of the interns in this summer’s class in addition to the chance to hear from multiple PHLY executives, including the CEO, was a great way to kick off the internship program.

 Fun Questions:

What is my favorite thing about Philadelphia?

I’ve only visited Philadelphia once – for this Summer Associates program – but I enjoyed the city’s rich history and mix of modern and colonial architecture. The verdant green of seemingly ancient trees in the city, along the Delaware River, and in Bala Cynwyd was also impressive.

 Quick Facts:

My favorite vacation spot is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Hello, I’m Erik Silvers, a senior at The Ohio State University and I will be working in the Account Management department at PHLY this summer!

My Favorite thing about PHLY

My favorite thing about PHLY is definitely the culture of the company. There is a very inviting and friendly atmosphere here at PHLY. The organization is also full of competitive individuals who strive to be the best at what they do, and this is the kind of environment that I like to work in. PHLY really makes an effort to promote being mentally and physically healthy, using quotes like “Be the best you.” I think this is really great because it shows that the company truly cares about us as employees and wants to get the best out of us.

Why are you interested in the insurance industry?

I am interested in the insurance industry because insurance is something that everyone needs as well as something that can impact people’s lives in a positive way. I enjoy knowing we (PHLY) can help someone experiencing a hard time in their life, and truly make a difference.  Also, there will always be a demand for insurance which is nice to know as an employee.

 My favorite quote

“Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow.” –Robert Kiyosaki

This quote helps me remember that putting in your best effort each day is crucial to a successful future.

Quick Fact: I love sushi!

What is your favorite thing about your position here at PHLY?

I have to say that my favorite thing about being a Human Resources Intern here at PHLY is that I feel like I am truly helping people.  Something that is unique about the Insurance industry is that at the end of the day you are making an actual positive impact on the lives of others.  

What has been your favorite experience so far at PHLY?

Meeting other interns and making new connections has been incredible. I love meeting new people and everyone here is so genuine and willing to help.

What is your favorite quote and why?

Sometimes you gotta work a little, so you can ball a lot. –Tom Haverford

Similar to work hard play hard I think this is a great motto to live by, also Parks and Rec is fantastic.

 How do you spend your free time?

In my spare time, I enjoy hot yoga and exploring the city with my friends. 

Hi, my name is Chris Shelby and I am a rising senior at Washington & Lee University, where I’m majoring in Economics. I am working at the Addison, TX office as a Marketing intern.

  What do you feel you have learned from your education…

I think coming from a liberal arts background allows me to think critically and communicate effectively to solve problems and learn quickly. The few basic things I know about insurance come from my dad, so I can’t apply much actual knowledge.

Why are you interested in insurance?

My dad works in insurance and he really likes it. I’ve talked to recent graduates about the business and they like the shorter hours compared to banking that allows them to have a personal life. I’ve also heard about the opportunities for millennials to be promoted to management positions with the age gap in the industry.

Favorite Movie?

Division 3: Football’s Finest

Ever met a celebrity?

Several different times at Lifetime I’ve played basketball with different players on the Dallas Cowboys. #wedemboyz

Favorite Quote?

“Go Every Time So Others May… Every Time” – Rick Vice

Why are you interested in the insurance industry?

I am interested in insurance because my family has worked in the industry for the past 2 generations. Because of that, I have been exposed to the industry from a young age. I have always been interested in how a given risk is identified and measured. My insurance classes at school have definitely catalyzed my interest in the industry and continue to expose me to different aspects of the industry.

 What brought you to PHLY?

What brought me to PHLY was the reputation the company had from my friends and classmates who have worked here in the past. Also, Mr. Maguire (Jr. and Sr.) have been very involved with not just my school’s Risk Management and Insurance program, but with the university as a whole. They have also been very generous to our school both in monetary and timely aspects.

 Have you ever met a celebrity? Who?

Last summer at a Police Athletic League (PAL) fundraiser, I met Snoop Dogg. He was really down to Earth and was very engaged with everyone who attended the event. He even freestyled at the end of the night.

 Favorite Quote?

“Be the Change you Want to See in the World” –Ghandi

Hi everyone! My name is Bailey Votto and I’m a rising junior at Furman University in South Carolina. I am majoring in Chemistry and working here at the home office with the event planning/design team in the marketing department.

What do you feel you have learned from your education that you have applied to your job at PHLY?

I’ve actually never even thought about insurance until a few months ago when this intern opportunity was presented to me to work with the event planning and design team. From being a chemistry major I have learned a few life lessons from all my hours spent in labs that I have been able to carry over to this professional work environment. I learned that timing is key, patience is essential, and you must learn and grow from your mistakes. Also since I am an event planner for my sorority (Kappa Delta) at Furman, I have been able to apply those specific skills as well. Knowing how to prioritize and talk to adults are just a few examples. I have noticed that all these talents are truly required to be successfully at PHLY.

What is your favorite thing about your position here at PHLY?

Since I am the only intern for the event planning team it has been really fun and interesting to learn all about what goes on behind the scenes. The team is currently working on the 2018 Preferred Agent Conference so I have been able to help with organizing the invite list and handling the RSVP’s. Unfortunately I did not get the invite to join them in Cabo :(

 What are some of your hobbies?

I absolutely love to draw and paint. It’s so relaxing and my imagination can truly take me anywhere. I am hoping to use my creative mindset when I get to shadow/work with the design team here at PHLY.

 If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Hands down I would go to Italy. Mainly for the food but I would also love to experience a different culture. I have never even been to Europe so it is definitely on the top of the bucket list.

 Favorite food

Mac and Cheese! Homemade, Krafts, Wawa, honestly I’ll eat it all!

Hi! My name is Ashley Myers and I am a rising junior at Saint Joseph’s University, where I’m majoring in Risk Management & Insurance with a minor in Actuarial Science. I am working at PHLY’s home office in Bala Cynwyd as a Compliance intern. 

Favorite thing about PHLY?

           My favorite thing about PHLY is definitely the overall atmosphere and culture of the company. Everyone has been very welcoming and willing to answer any questions I may have. PHLY emphasizes giving back to the community and encourages a work-life balance, which I think is awesome!

Favorite experience so far at PHLY?

           So far, my favorite experience was definitely orientation! The Summer Associates program is a great way to learn the in’s and out’s of PHLY as well as quickly become friends with other interns. The scavenger hunt at the Franklin Institute and dinner after were a great way to start off the week!

Favorite movie?

           Step Brothers, hands down.

Ever met a celebrity?

           Yes! During a family vacation to Disney World, we were next up in line to get on Space Mountain, when Adam Sandler and his daughter came from a side door and asked if they could go on next. Needless to say, we said yes.

Favorite quote?

Hi! My name is Elizabeth and I am a Summer Associate working in the Underwriting Department at the Home Office in Bala Cynwyd, PA.

On our first day of Orientation, we were lucky enough to get out of the office after a long morning of introductions and presentations to explore Philadelphia. We traveled to the Franklin Institute, a science museum in Center City, where we did a scavenger hunt in groups. We worked in groups of 4-5 in order to complete challenges and questions throughout all exhibits in the museum. We were given clues that led us to the answers but not all were that easy to find (my group did not even find a few!) The Summer Associates had the opportunity to bond with our fellow interns, both who we will be working with in our own office and in different offices throughout the country. It was cool to not only be able to show the field office interns one of the main attractions in Philadelphia but also have the Home Office interns get to explore the museum that most of us had not been to since we were younger.

Thank you to our Summer Associate Class of 2016 for a great summer! Everyone’s hard work and enthusiasm did not go unnoticed! We wish everyone the best of luck in whatever their futures hold!

August 9th has been a date on every Summer Associates mind this summer as it was the day we presented our final group projects to the Office of the CEO! At orientation, we immediately were put into groups and told the details and expectations of the project. This included either creating a new product for PHLY to insure or revamping an existing product. For the past 9 weeks, every group was brainstorming products, researching to become experts in what we chose, creating a marketing plan, Underwriting guidelines, and practicing the presentation countless times. This year, the Summer Associates came up with very creative and exciting new products. Our six groups presented on Funeral Homes, Farming Cooperatives, Wineries & Vineyards, eSports, Office Sharing Insurance Policies, and Vertical Farming. The Office of the CEO was impressed by all our groups, but in the end picked two winning presentations- Vertical Farming and eSports. We are so proud of all of our Summer Associates for their hard work, creativity, and fun they had with this project!