The Unconventional Route into Underwriting with Jana Ratnajothy

What does it take to build a successful career in underwriting when you don't follow the conventional route? In this episode of Beyond the Desk: Underwriting Special, Sanj Vagad sits down with Jana Ratnajothy to explore her unconventional journey from law and claims into underwriting, and the experiences that have shaped her career along the way. Jana shares how 36 rejection letters eventually led to a career in law, how an unexpected opportunity at Beazley opened the door to insurance, and why she made the leap from claims into underwriting despite never feeling fully ready for the next role. The conversation covers the value of specialising, the importance of understanding the numbers behind a portfolio, navigating different stages of the insurance cycle, and why strong relationships with clients and brokers remain so important. Jana also reflects on the role of curiosity, networking and sponsorship in career progression, how to recognise when it's time to stretch yourself, and why understanding your own strengths can be one of the most important things you do for your career. In this episode, Jana discusses: Her journey from a first-generation immigrant family into law and insurance Receiving 36 rejection letters before securing her legal training contract Moving from private practice into Beazley's claims team Making the transition from claims into underwriting Why you should take opportunities even when you don't feel ready The three core elements of underwriting: maths, product and distribution The benefits and challenges of becoming a specialist underwriter Why understanding how to run a portfolio is essential for career progression Building a specialist portfolio at Convex from the ground up Navigating the current insurance market and different market cycles Why understanding the numbers and your organisation's objectives matters Networking without making it transactional or uncomfortable The importance of curiosity and asking questions Recognising when you're no longer being stretched or challenged Why knowing yourself and playing to your strengths can build confidence What makes the London insurance market such a unique place to build a career Jana's advice for the next generation of insurance professionals