Career path: Will Woodman and Dawn Crowley: Part three

Things are going well for Will at Reading-based insurers Strobes Ingliss Norton. His ability to communicate effectively with brokers and clients is making him an increasingly valued member of Strobes' commercial property team, and head of department Nick Howard believes he has clear management potential.

Will recently attended a one-day workshop on commercial property (intermediate level) in London and is booked in for the advanced level version early next year. He has also recently passed the P93 module of the CII Diploma in Insurance course on commercial property and business interruption and is due to sit P21 on commercial insurance contract wording towards the end of the year.

At brokers Jervis Dixon, meanwhile, Dawn has just received an unexpected invitation over a quiet drink near work from Bill Wescott, a key member of the high net worth team. He tells her he's leaving to set up a new team at another firm of brokers across town. He says he's been impressed by what he's seen and heard of Dawn, and wants her to join as a junior member of his new team.

Dawn has some doubts but Bill assures her she would be joining a respected and growing firm with offices around the UK and a strong commitment to professionalism. Having recently acquired chartered status, her future employers can give her what she said she wanted at the Christmas party - support in working towards becoming a chartered broker herself.

"You seem like someone who is hungry to learn and to take on management responsibilities," he tells her, "and, as the team grows, I see you doing just that."

Frustrated as she has become with Jervis Dixon's Kwality Insurance call centre environment, Dawn admits she's definitely interested. "That's great news," Bill beams.

"So," Dawn laughs a little nervously, "I'm being poached, then, am I?" "That's not necessarily the word I'd use," Bill replies. "Let's call it headhunted."

Written by Ian Jerrum, Searchlight Insurance Training