My current role is in the Broker Distribution Management team. Whilst on the rotational scheme I have worked in an underwiring role and a claims role as well.  I joined Allianz in September 2021 having come straight out of university. My main responsibility is to support our strategic account managers, who work closely with our largest brokers. I support them analyse the accounts and outline areas of growth. Additionally, I support the BDM team create various reports which are circulated across the business.

I wanted to work for a large global company where I would be able to develop my skills whilst working with industry leading experts. It was clear to me that Allianz takes personal development seriously which was extremely important for me starting out in my career. I was also particularly attracted to the global opportunities that are available across the business. Finally, the opportunity to gain my professional qualifications was a great opportunity.

The application process consisted of several written questions, followed by some situational judgment questions. The next step required candidates to answer several pre-recorded questions and if successful at this stage an invitation to an assessment centre followed. The assessment centre consisted of several group exercises and then two interviews with senior managers from across the business.

My days vary considerably, some days I will be in the office creating packs and reports to share with teams across the business and others I will be out at brokers offices meeting them to discuss their accounts and strategic opportunities going forward. This can often require travelling to offices across the UK and provides a great opportunity to develop relationship management skills.

The most interesting part of the insurance industry is the global nature of the business. There are so many opportunities to develop different skill sets and to work with a truly diverse range of people. Ultimately insurance is risk management and different people will have different perceptions of risk. In order to make commercially sound decisions around various risks, working collaboratively is essential. This collaborative way of working is exciting and fosters strong debate and team work.

There have been many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work. Allianz offer the opportunity to take part in CSR days, these days provide teams with an opportunity to support the local community. I particularly enjoyed volunteering at Spade Works where as a team we were able to leave a lasting impact. Additionally, there have been many opportunities to get involved in “side of desk” projects which have provided me with exposure to different areas of the business I would have not had access too.

I have been surprised at how seriously personal development is taken across the business. Despite the business being one of the largest insurers in the world everyone is extremely friendly, and people are always willing to support you. This can be getting exposure to a new area of the business or can be through offering up time to help with career progression or support in your “day to day” role. I have also been surprised at how all my mangers have ensured that I take my study time to get my professional qualifications.