Career Compass

At SCOR, we believe in empowering the next generation of reinsurance professionals to help build a better, more resilient world, which is why we recruit more than 100 interns and apprentices every year in our Paris office. These internships and apprenticeships and be a valuable first step into the industry, but what is it like to interview at one of the top global reinsurers? In this article, several of our newest Paris interns and apprentices share their hiring experiences, offering you a behind-the-scenes look at the application and interview process to help you navigate your next interview.

Meet the interns and apprentices

Why did you apply to SCOR?

Samantha Curutchet: My studies are in actuarial science and SCOR is frequently mentioned in my field. When I started applying, I knew I wanted to learn more about the (re)insurance industry. Additionally, many alumni from my university work here, which guided me to apply at SCOR.

Adèle Kaschte: The first time I applied, I was interested in learning about the industry and the company, as it is a very niche field. During my first two years, I learned a lot and became very involved in the industry. When I started my master’s, I knew I wanted to return to the reinsurance and insurance industry to continue developing my knowledge, which is why I reapplied.

Mammen Puthukkeril Varghesem: When I was looking at jobs, I focused on the job descriptions. The role at SCOR caught my attention and after researching the reinsurance world, I became very interested in learning more about it.

Could you describe your experience with the application process?

Adèle: The first time I applied at SCOR, I was contacted by one of SCOR’s Talent Acquisition Managers through LinkedIn. He invited me to interview for the position. I had two interviews: the first was more personality-focused, while the second was with four team members and focused on technical aspects. It was pretty stressful, but the team was really nice overall. By the end, they made sure this was the internship I was passionate about.

Samantha: I spoke with my career counselor at my university about my further education and mentioned that I wanted to continue my studies in actuarial science. My counselor connected me with alumni from my school who are currently working at SCOR and they recommended me internally. After this, I had two interviews: one with the team, consisting of two managers and a team member, and another exploratory interview with the Talent Acquisition group. After this, I was offered the job.

What were your highlights in this interview process?

Samantha: My highlight was how I felt during the interview. For me, it was not stressful, and the people made it easy for me to speak and reflect on my knowledge.

Mammen: I enjoyed that the process was very quick and fast, with little wait time between steps. The interviewers made me feel comfortable, so I didn’t feel a lot of pressure and felt like I could be myself. They were also very responsive to any questions or doubts I had.

What do you think was a quality that made you stand out during the hiring process?

Adèle: I think it was my adaptability, motivation, energy, and the fact that I am uniquely myself and don’t change for others. I believe that to be good at a job, you have to be yourself, and I think it helped me. Lastly, my curiosity—I am continuously learning and researching new topics to be better.

Samantha: I think it was the fact that I knew what I was looking for and I read the job description carefully to make sure it was a job I wanted. I also prepared myself by understanding the qualities they were looking for and aligning them with my own in the interview. They saw that I was down-to-earth, motivated, and knew what I wanted.

What are your school’s expectations for your period working at SCOR?

Adèle: My school expects me to learn and apply the materials I am learning in class, which my apprenticeship here fully aligns with.

Samantha: My school trusts that SCOR will teach me to apply what I am learning in school on an everyday basis.

What are your recommendations for anyone considering applying for an internship or apprenticeship in reinsurance?

Adèle: First, you have to understand what insurance is and know the industry you are entering. But then, I would say that you are not just a student or an apprentice; you are a person and you have to prove that you are more than just another interview. Show your hobbies, goals in life, soft skills, and hard skills, and leave a mark by being yourself.

Samantha: Don’t freak out, don’t stress. I know it is easier said than done, but know that SCOR is a really nice company. The people here are great and have a good mindset. You will learn a lot and the environment here is great.

Samantha, Adèle, and Mammen’s experiences highlight the importance of being yourself, researching the industry, understanding the job description, and leveraging your network from school, previous professional experiences, and LinkedIn. SCOR is a dynamic company where interns and apprentices are encouraged to be themselves while also celebrating their curiosity, motivation, and growth. If that sounds good to you, explore our open position here.

Still have questions about what to expect when applying for your internship or apprenticeship at SCOR Paris? 

Sangeeta Xanthopoulos, SCOR’s Head of Global Talent Acquisition, answers a few of the most common questions she receives below.

What is SCOR looking for in their apprentices and interns?

SCOR seeks apprentices and interns who are adaptable, eager to learn, and possess strong analytical and technical skills relevant to their roles. The company values candidates who demonstrate curiosity about the reinsurance industry and can quickly integrate into a dynamic environment. Teamwork, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate across departments are essential qualities.
SCOR also highly values diversity and inclusion, actively seeking individuals from varied backgrounds who embrace this mindset. We welcome students with fresh perspectives, a positive attitude, and a commitment to both personal and professional growth. Authenticity and alignment with the company’s values are key, as SCOR looks for those motivated to contribute meaningfully to their teams and long-term projects.

How can I make myself noticed or remembered in these interviews? 

To stand out in your interview with SCOR, begin by thoroughly researching the company using our official websites, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and YouTube. Familiarize yourself with SCOR's role in the reinsurance industry and its recent projects.
Make sure you carefully review the job description and highlight your strengths that align with the position. At SCOR, flexibility and agility are key, so during your interview be sure to demonstrate your adaptability by sharing examples of how you’ve successfully managed diverse tasks. Emphasize any technical and analytical skills relevant to the role, providing concrete examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities. Additionally, highlight your experience as a collaborative team player and express your eagerness to learn and contribute to the team's success. “Finally, remember that an interview is a conversation. We want to make sure you’re a good fit for SCOR, but we also want you to be sure SCOR is a good fit for you. Ask questions about SCOR’s future goals or industry challenges, as well as specific aspects of the role and responsibilities, to show your genuine interest. 
Above all, be authentic – authenticity is key to thriving at SCOR and making the most of your internship or apprenticeship.

We hope these insights help you in your journey and inspire you to take the next step towards a fulfilling career in reinsurance. We’re looking forward to welcoming you as part of the next generation of reinsurance professionals to SCOR!

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