Annette Kalombodza

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    Hi, I am Annete (pronounced Ann-eat) and I joined Allianz in 2020, which marked the beginning of unique and enriching graduate experience. In this 5-minute read, I’ll take you through the highs and the challenges I have faced, and the excitement I have found along the way!

What is your role and how long have you been at Allianz?

I am currently on an international Secondment in Allianz SE, Munich Germany, working with the Group Legal Department. This role has given me exposure to various areas of law, including Insurance and Regulatory Law, Competition and Intellectual Property Law, Corporate Law and Governance, Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Mandates and Capital Markets Law & Financing.

​​​​​​​What inspired you to apply?

My journey with Allianz began when they visited my university. After an interview, they sponsored my third year of my Law for Financial Services degree in 2020. At that time, I started as a Claims Technical Placement Student in the claims department. It was an eye-opening experience that made me realise the value of combining practical work with academic knowledge. After which Allianz promoted me onto the Graduate Scheme after assessing my performance for 12 months.

What was the application process like?

My first interview with Allianz for the opportunity for Allianz to sponsor my Law degree was warm and friendly. Allianz gave me sufficient time to answer questions. In an ideal world we want life to be perfect before we go for a job interview, however that doesn’t always happen therefore this can affect our ability to be at 100%. I was honest with Allianz about how my extenuating circumstances was impacting my interview performance. They really valued that and saw potential in me. I demonstrate their core ambitions of ‘trust’ and ‘be brave’ as well as dedication to excel. My advice for others is to research the company, understand the market in which that company operates in, be yourself and … breath.

My second interview enabled me to achieve a place on the Graduate Scheme. After a year as a placement student, Allianz recognised my potential especially during the challenges of remote work due to COVID. This led to an interview where they assessed my motivations for joining the Graduate Scheme. This comprised of competency based questions.

What would a ‘normal’ day look like in your role?

Before my international assignment I have the chance to explore various roles within Allianz:

In April 2023, I worked as a paralegal, reviewing trademarks, NDA’s and drafting legal contracts.

In March 2022 I worked in the Allianz Holdings CEO Department learning the skills of an Executive Assistant. I prepared Board papers, planned an employee conference, reviewed company financials, and supported the CEO with activities such as filming internal and external communications.

September 2021, I worked in LV=GI  learning the skills of a Systems Thinking Consultant. I investigated factors and interactions that could be adopted to improve business processes.

June 2021, I worked as an Allianz Information Technology (IT) Intern. I supported the IT department with a risk remediation project.

September 2020 I was a Claims Technical Placement student. I led on a project that reviewed our decision-making process in the claims sphere.

What do you find most interesting about the insurance industry?

The opportunity to explore a diverse range of legal aspects, from intellectual property law to corporate law and business and finance.

Have you had the opportunity to get involved in any activities outside work?

In my personal life, I am a Director / Trustee at a charity that offers development sessions for young people and the professionals who teach them. Our goal is to help young individuals overcome limited beliefs about themselves.

Allianz Sports Society offer ski trips for employees which other Graduates have described it as a fantastic trip.

Anything that has surprised you since you've started at Allianz?

I have had constant exposure to senior stakeholders, including the CEO of Allianz Holdings, the previous CEOs of Allianz Commercial and Personal, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operations Officer, the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Chief Risk Officer as well as an Allianz SE Board member who manages Global Insurance Lines & Anglo Markets, Reinsurance, Iberia & Latin America, Middle East, Africa.

Allianz also trusts its employees; I have managed projects regardless of my current junior status in a safe and supportive environment.
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