Allianz |

I am currently working in the Protection and Resilience team out of the Guildford Head Office, having spent time previously in Information Security and Personal Lines Underwriting. I attended Durham University and read History and German.

1. What is your role?

I am in the Operational Resilience Team within Protection and Resilience, which forms part of OpsIT within Allianz. Presently, my main responsibilities involve the management of addressing the vulnerabilities identified within the business, i.e. things that, if they go down for a prolonged period, could potentially cause customer harm. This means liaising with people in other areas of the company to understand the extent of the issue, the path to remediation, as well as regularly reporting to senior stakeholders across the business.

Prior to this, I spent time in our Information Security team, developing my technical knowledge of the cyber risks we face, as well as helping to manage the governance of a major audit required by the Bank of England/PRA.

In addition, I spent the first twelve months of the scheme working in the Personal Lines Underwriting Team in LV=, developing an understanding of the products, marketplace, and future direction of the industry.

2. What inspired you to apply?

The opportunity to work at an internationally renowned company such as Allianz was definitely a draw. Within the industry, the graduate scheme has a strong reputation for providing a variety of opportunities to graduates, as well as structured learning and development through CII studies and the apprenticeship.

3. What was the application process like?

The process was relatively easy to follow and not too burdensome. There is an initial application to submit about you, followed by a series of online tests. If you pass these, then you’ll progress to pre-recorded video interviews, which is followed by an assessment process. If you’ve been successful, then you’ll likely hear within a couple of weeks!

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

A lot of my day is spent in conversations with business owners across Allianz and LV=, understanding where we are in terms of our vulnerability action plans and any potential hurdles, then capturing the output of these conversations to enable tracking and regular reporting to stakeholders. I will then also review information available to us within the business to identify any potential new vulnerabilities that may have gone unreported. Alongside this, I provide support to colleagues on workshops and process writing.

5. What do you find most interesting about the insurance industry?

In recent years, there has been a real push (and need) to be innovative in the insurance industry to help combat climate change, the cost-of-living crisis, as well as changing customer expectations. In a short space of time, there has been a lot of change and investment in more digital services, which means it’s an exciting time to be involved to see what’s next.

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

I had the opportunity to present at Lloyd’s of London as part of an Apprenticeship Taskforce offering suggestions to enhance the apprenticeship, working alongside graduates from other companies within the industry. This was a great chance to collaborate and network with people outside of Allianz, as well as provide some value to other learners. Aside from this, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in charity work for corporate partners and others. In 2021, I climbed Snowdon to raise money for MIND and in 2022 I ran the London Marathon for Family Action.

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

I was surprised that as a graduate you are given a lot of trust and opportunities to meet and work with senior stakeholders from an early stage. Even if you are new to insurance, your ‘fresh set of eyes’ are listened to and taken seriously. You are part of the conversation, rather than being talked at.

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.

1. What inspired you to apply?

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.

2. What was the application process like?

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.

3. What would a “normal” day look like in your role?

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.

4. What do you find the most interesting about the insurance industry?

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.

5. Have you had the opportunity to get involved in any activities outside of 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.

6. Anything that has surprised you since starting at Allianz?

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.

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

My current role is a customer insight and experience officer based in market management, before this I was an underwriter working in motor trade. I joined in August 2021 after applying for the underwriting grad scheme in December 2020. My main responsibilities include analysing broker surveys and external reports of customer experience and communicating these through to the relevant stakeholders so we are able to continuous improve on our service.

2. What inspired you to apply?

I was inspired to apply after reading several grad testimonials, especially after hearing about the opportunities and experiences offered to grads at Allianz. I was also inspired to apply because of Allianz’s global presence, and the potential to work abroad that this offered.

3. What was the application process like?

For the underwriting scheme the application process consisted of a written application, an online situational judgement test, a recorded interview, an assessment centre and then a final branch interview. Most of the interviews were competency based and the assessment centre included a pre-planned presentation and a group task.

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

For me a normal day would consistent of following up with ongoing projects and communicating with my team on shared pieces of work. It could also consist of preparing packs for customer boards, writing reports for senior management and liaising with external agencies to ensure that current and upcoming surveys are remaining on track.

5. What do you find most interesting about the insurance industry?

As insurance will always be needed I think the fact that the industry is constantly evolving to meet consumer demand and external factors the most interesting. The industry has to adapt to meet economical, legislative and societal changes to ensure that it remains in line with regulatory requirements as well as staying attractive to consumers.

6. Anything that has surprised you since you’ve started at Allianz?

The main thing that has surprise me since starting is how supportive the company is. When I expressed my desire to move roles from underwriting I was helped each step of the way and felt very supported in my decision.

Application tip

Make sure to do your research, not only about the company but also to make sure it’s the right fit for you.

This role has involved technical learning such how to price premiums, and review claims, as build the skillset in order to manage broker expectations and win new business cases. As I am coming to the end of the year long placement, I will be moving to the commercial operations team in London in September 2023, where I will be working on operational projects and gain an insight into the wider functions of the business.

1. What inspired you to apply?

During my second year of university, I worked for a brokerage as an intern for three months, during which I grew a love for the fast-pace and high energy environment of the insurance industry. I soon discovered that Allianz was a great place to work, which not only offered this environment but offered other things important to me too, such as efforts to master sustainability and equality in the workplace. In researching this, Allianz had a corporate culture that I felt was unmatched and would allow me to develop a career where there is vast opportunity to both build my personal development as well as help drive change.

2. What was the application process like?

I initially applied via an online application online in January 2022, which involved typical assessment questions around mathematical and literacy ability and reasons for applying for the role. I then did a video interview through an application, whereby you get given questions on the spot and answer them as if you were in a F2F interview. The final process was then a remote assessment centre day where there are multiple stages, including a presentation, a group task and a final interview. The assessment centre day process was a really positive experience for me – everyone was very friendly and within about a month I heard back with the good news that I had got the role.

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

A typical day in my current role would include a morning team huddle (this happens once a week) where we discuss the whereabouts of the team, whether anyone needs any help and our work states. Then I would begin various tasks, such as prioritizing and completing MTAs, making first contact calls with brokers about new business case presentations and rating up these presentations by deciding on a premium and policy terms to relay back to the broker. Often there will be back and forth with the broker on terms during which I would need to negotiate a price and / or terms and then if the case is won, I would need to use our system to incept the policy.

4. What do you find most interesting about the insurance industry?

I would say I find the relationship building and development the most interesting about the insurance industry. This is because in spite of remote / hybrid working and the impact of Covid-19, the insurance industry remains a social one, where relationships remain at the heart of it. I don’t think many other industries are this way, and I think it makes the workplace a vibrant one, where you can always increase your network, meet new people and do more business!

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

One of my favourite things about Allianz is the opportunities to get involved in side of desk activities. There is a very friendly and strong graduate community, where I have taken part in the Fireside Chat Committee – a great chance to speak to senior management across the business and ask them questions and advice. I also have been able to join the All Ability network, which helps employees with both an invisible or visible disability and works to try and make the workplace as accommodating as possible for those people; through this network, I was able to run my own webinar on Diabetes, which was great fun.

6. Anything that has surprised you since starting at Allianz?

The amount of training content and learning modules available surprised me, as there is so much support and always something new to learn to help your development!

Tips:

The main tip I would give to a new joiner at Allianz would be to get involved in as many opportunities as possible. Allianz is a great place to develop your skills and your network and so make use of that!

1. Overview of the Claims Data Graduate Scheme

The Claims Data graduate scheme is approximately a two year-long programme sponsored by the Data team sitting within the Claims Division. It consists of three rotations, the first two focusing on claims handling and data analysis, the last one being guided by your career preferences.

I find this structure to be the perfect balance of certainty and flexibility. Knowing what I was going to do during the first year meant I could focus on getting to know the company structure and the products and services on offer, understand the wider insurance industry and integrate the company culture into my day-to-day work.

2. Responsibilities within the role

I am currently in my second rotation as a data analyst for the Claims Data & Insight team, where I have been responsible for providing accurate and thorough insights about claims data to a range of stakeholders, as well as contributing to developing a data driven culture across the business.

Prior to my current rotation, I completed 8 months of claims handling, where I gained knowledge to analyse and investigate claims, by working alongside a variety of experts to decide the most effective way to settle them.

3. Why I applied

After a year of being at Allianz, I can confidently recommend this company as a place to work. As one of the largest insurers in the world, there is so much you can explore within the business and plenty of opportunities to learn and develop - not just through formal education, but also from colleagues and from experiencing different roles.

Personally, I chose to secure the Claims Data graduate scheme after hearing about the team’s Agile culture, based on values of collaboration, team empowerment and technical excellence through learning and development.

4. What can you expect from the application process

I found the Allianz application process to be smooth, friendly and to the point. It consisted of three phases – an online application form, a video interview and an assessment centre. Instructions where clearly communicated and the whole process only went on for a few weeks. I particularly enjoyed the assessment centre, as I had a chance to get to know some of the people I am now working with as well as look into the business in more detail.

5. What I find interesting about the insurance industry

Contrary to what you might think, something I find great about insurance is that it is very varied. Did you know almost anything can be insured? That means the types of customers and sectors you can get involved in is endless, which opens up a range of opportunities for learning and development as well as career progression.

It’s also interesting to work in an industry that requires companies to adapt quickly to global changes, including climate change, regulatory decisions and technological advancements. There’s always something we need to anticipate to and act on.

6. Outside work

At Allianz there is so much you can participate in outside of work – from raising money for charity (either independently or in teams) or volunteering, to being part of the graduate committee and engaging in the organisation and delivery of a range of social and developmental events.

They are a great chance to give back to the community as well as develop your network with people you do not usually work with day-to-day.

7. Anything surprising

I was quite surprised by the company culture. Despite it being a large business with thousands of employees, you get the chance to speak to and work closely with senior managers. I would describe it as an open culture where people invite new ideas, favour transparency and support taking good risks. I have seen Allianz is a company that rewards innovation and promotes development.

Application tip – Make sure you research the industry and Allianz prior to your assessment centre and communicate in an engaging manner.

Being a graduate on the Allianz: LV=GI

A journey of Growth and Opportunity: My Graduate Experience with Allianz

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.