Grace, an Intern at Allianz

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background

I grew up just outside of London, where I stayed until I left for university in 2018 to study Banking and Finance at the University of Essex. I really enjoyed my time at university, particularly spending time with friends and being on the netball team. When COVID hit during my second year, everything changed with no in-person lectures and most places shut. I graduated in 2021 and joined a local accountancy practice, working in the tax department. I stayed for two years before deciding that working in practice wasn't for me. After that, I actually took a job with England Netball as the Surrey Netball Development Officer, doing something completely unrelated to finance! It was a fun role that taught me how to manage a variety of different stakeholders, but ultimately I knew I always wanted to work in finance, I just wasn't sure in what capacity or industry.

What inspired you to apply for this role and this company?

Once I knew finance was where I wanted to be, I needed to figure out what area and what industry was right for me. After my first job, I knew I didn't want to work in practice and I had a real passion for working in industry. I wanted to be a part of a large organisation where I could feel like I was making a difference. The only problem was I had no idea what area of finance I wanted to go into. Ultimately, this is what drove me to apply for the Finance Graduate Scheme at Allianz. The scheme offers at least three rotations across the department, giving you the chance to really get to grips with how the finance function operates. On top of that, Allianz is a global company and I resonated with a lot of the values they displayed. After deciding this was a role I could really envision myself in, I applied and secured the scheme with a start date of October 2024, nearly two years ago now!

How are you finding the Finance Grad Scheme so far?

The Finance Graduate Scheme has been everything I expected and more. I've had the opportunity to work across multiple departments, including Accounts, Investments, Treasury, Business Partnering and soon Financial Planning & Analysis. Trying a variety of areas has been extremely beneficial and has allowed me to build a brilliant network and gain a full understanding of how the finance function operates. The scheme typically consists of three rotations: one in Accounts, one in Performance Steering and a third in a chosen area such as Investments, the CFO Office or another area within Accounts or Performance Steering. My favourite rotation so far has been business partnering. Being embedded so closely within the business gives me a real sense of how finance drives performance, and I love knowing that my work has a tangible impact on the company's results.

Are you working towards any qualifications? What do they entail?

I'm currently studying towards my CIMA qualification alongside my full-time role. Balancing work and study is demanding and takes real discipline and routine, but it's incredibly rewarding to be learning things I can put straight into practice. I chose CIMA specifically because of its focus on management accounting and business strategy, which aligns perfectly with the commercial finance career I want to build. Allianz has been really supportive too, providing study leave and funding, which shows how much they invest in their graduates' development.

How does hybrid/flexible working fit into your life as a graduate?

Hybrid working has been a real highlight of the graduate experience. In my first few months, I made a point of coming into the office most days. It was invaluable for getting to know people, asking lots of questions and building relationships across different teams who are in on different days. Now, nearly two years in, I've really come to appreciate the flexibility that working from home offers. It's done wonders for my work-life balance and means I can enjoy more outside of work without compromising on performance.

Have you got involved in anything outside your day job?

Outside of my day job, I've thrown myself into as much as I can. I sit on the graduate committee, where I've taken a lead on volunteering activities. I help organise events with foodbanks and charities, which has been really fulfilling. Being part of the committee also means I'm involved in planning onboarding events for new graduates and arranging our quarterly events, including an awards dinner at Allianz Stadium. I've also been a buddy to new graduates joining the scheme, helping them settle in and being someone they can come to for questions and guidance. On top of that, I've drawn on my background in netball to help host an upcoming Allianz mixed netball tournament, which is going to be a great way to bring people together. I'm also part of a finance performance steering committee, where I help arrange socials, from pub quizzes and crazy golf to meals out. It's a brilliant way to build connections beyond your immediate team.

What advice would you give to someone applying to the Allianz graduate scheme?

My biggest piece of advice would be to always be inquisitive. You can never ask too many questions, whether that's during the application process, at interview or once you're on the scheme. Curiosity shows genuine interest and it's the fastest way to learn. When it comes to the interview itself, be yourself. Do your research on the company and take the time to understand how your values align with theirs. Be passionate about why you want to be there and don't be afraid to sell yourself. You've got this far for a reason, so own your achievements and let your personality shine through.