Mariana Martinez

Adjuster, Natural Resources,
Latin America

mariana.martinez@charlestaylor.com

I'm an Adjuster working on Natural Resources claims, primarily in Latin America. I joined the Charles Taylor office in the Mexico office in 2022, right after the pandemic.

Why did you join Charles Taylor?

I studied mechanical engineering at college and a fellow student had joined Charles Taylor. They introduced me to the management at Charles Taylor and I was offered a role in the Marine Adjusting Team. I liked the idea of exploring a different side of the industry and the challenges it might bring. I ended up joining the Natural Resources Team and have since participated in a lot of interesting and challenging projects.

What does your job entail on a day-to-day basis?

The majority of my time is spent analysing records and documentation depending on the case I am working on, calculating costs estimates, and writing reports. Performing surveys is also a very important part of the adjusting process. As I have developed in my role, I have more and more direct client contact which is part of the job I really enjoy.

What is your favourite thing about working for Charles Taylor?

What I like the most is getting involved in many different types of industries and technologies. Each new claim I work on allows me to learn a lot of new things from so many different fields of engineering and insurance. I also feel that the people I get to work with plays a huge part in my working experience, everybody, both at Charles Taylor and in our market, is very kind and cooperative.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in insurance?

To get involved in everything. There is no college major for being an adjuster, so everything has to be learned through experience. So, the more claims you participate in, the more you´ll learn how to handle yours on your own. Also, don´t be afraid to ask for help and rely on your team.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I don´t really get to do it much in the city, but I enjoy outdoor activities, like hiking, camping, or swimming. Maybe even just a nice picnic at a park. I also like watching documentaries and reading. We have many overseas visitors to our office in Mexico City and I enjoy showing them the history and culture of this amazing city.

Do you have any special or unusual skills?

I'm apparently good at working with small pieces. My mother and sister always ask me to repair their jewellery or thread the needles. I´m also good at detangling things. I enjoy languages and am fluent in English and German as well as my mother-tongue, Spanish.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Anywhere I get to spend time in nature, like the beach. But I also like visiting places with a vast cultural heritage and visiting its museums or old buildings.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

To be bolder and take more chances. I am aware that I missed a lot of opportunities because I was too shy to step up and have realized how many more things I get to do and experience now that I have decided to be more outgoing.