Landed The Job

Nov. 4, 2025

Matthew Powell has turned his interest in human behaviour into an impactful career in cyber and technology insurance. Now working as a Cyber and Technology Underwriter at Axis Capital, he shares how his time at Seneca Polytechnic, along with early industry experience and a strong focus on relationship-building, helped him land the job and find success in a fast-paced, technical field.

I started thinking seriously about my future while I was still in high school. Like a lot of people at that age, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do but I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving, especially when it involves human behaviour. When I came across Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology program, it really stood out. This program felt like the right fit — it combined my interest in people with the challenge of solving complex behavioural issues. The more I learned about the field and the structure of the program, the more confident I felt that I was making the right choice.

Seneca played a major role in shaping both my personal and professional development. Being surrounded by people with a solid work ethic and a genuine desire to succeed created an environment that made learning both motivating and enjoyable.

King Campus specifically had a welcoming atmosphere, great facilities and a strong sense of community. I studied both in-person and online during the pandemic, but I always felt connected to the campus and the people there. I spent a lot of time at the gym and loved visiting the animal health building — I’m a big animal person, so seeing them was always a highlight.

One of the highlights of my time at Seneca was being part of a financial literacy club. A friend and I were heavily involved, meeting weekly to explore financial topics that were especially useful for students. It was a great way to build practical knowledge and connect with others outside of class.

One of the biggest lessons I took from Seneca is the importance of leading with compassion and empathy. I’ve learned to always be considerate of other people’s perspectives, give them the benefit of the doubt and approach every situation with kindness and patience. That mindset has made a real difference in how I collaborate with others.

Seneca also taught me to think critically and thoroughly. The assignments pushed me to be detailed, to work through problems from different angles and to always find a way forward. 

After graduating, I was eager to start working and applied to jobs in many fields. That’s one of the reasons I chose the program: I knew it could lead to different career paths. I landed an internship at Aviva working in auto, property and casualty insurance. This was a turning point for me. 

During that internship, I attended a conference where I met Jonathan Weekes, a Business Marketing graduate. That meeting changed my life. We connected over our shared Seneca education, and he encouraged me to explore cybersecurity further. He became a close friend and mentor, helping me find my next opportunity at Chubb. 

Shortly after, I enrolled in the Certified in Cybersecurity program through ISC2. That helped me build technical knowledge and credibility in the field. 

I’ve been fortunate to make some big moves early in my career. When I started at Chubb, I was still new to the industry, but I quickly took on responsibilities like training new employees, supporting renewal business and helping grow our cyber and technology portfolio. 

Now at Axis Capital, I’m helping lead the implementation of a tool that assesses cyber and tech risk. Cyber insurance is a highly technical and fast-evolving field, so I’m proud to be contributing in a meaningful way this early in my career. I’m also one of the youngest underwriters in Canada and I’m really proud of that accomplishment.  

My time at Seneca planted the seeds for my career. I bring a human-focused lens to a technical field, leading with empathy and clear communication. That, along with grit and a strong work ethic, has propelled my career.

Before Seneca, I worked jobs ranging from landscaping to collecting shopping carts and selling laptops. Each of those experiences taught me something valuable and helped shape how I approach challenges today. I’ve learned that no experience is wasted and that everything you learn in life is transferable.

1. Create your own path. After graduating, be open to pivot and explore new industries. Employers value adaptability — the ability to work across different areas and bring a fresh perspective.

2. Have confidence in yourself and your experience. Look at your background holistically, both your education and what you do outside of school — part-time jobs, hobbies, interests and even things you enjoyed as a child. All those experiences shape who you are and can help guide your career.

3. Be open, stay curious and put yourself out there. Sometimes the best opportunities come from unexpected places and the willingness to try something new can make all the difference.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.