Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background
I grew up in Surrey before moving to Southampton to study Psychology at the University of Southampton. Like many graduates, I wasn't completely sure what career path I wanted to pursue. After completing my undergraduate degree, I went on to study for an MSc in Clinical Psychology, where I developed a strong interest in understanding people and supporting positive outcomes.
Alongside this, I discovered I really enjoyed the business and analytical elements of my studies. This led me to explore career opportunities that combined people-focused work with data and business insights. Allianz's rotational graduate scheme stood out as the perfect opportunity to continue learning, gain exposure to different areas of the business, and build a broad understanding of the insurance industry while discovering where my interests and strengths fit best.
How have you found working from home?
Having experienced remote and hybrid learning throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and university, I adapted to home working quite quickly. I currently spend at least two days a week in the office, which provides a great balance between flexibility and collaboration.
While many meetings take place virtually, regardless of location, being in the office offers valuable opportunities to build relationships, learn from colleagues, and connect with people across the business. Whether it's catching up over a coffee or having informal conversations between meetings, those in-person interactions are really valuable and I have found them to be a great way to find out about potential placement rotations.
What do you find most interesting with the sector/industry you're in?
One of the things I've enjoyed most about the insurance industry is the sheer variety of opportunities it offers. At Allianz, there are roles spanning far beyond the traditional insurance functions from underwriting and claims to marketing, sponsorship, technology, and data, there.
Because of this diversity, you get to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and skill sets, creating excellent opportunities to learn and develop. It's also an industry that is constantly evolving, with ongoing innovation focused on improving customer experiences and developing new products and services. With emerging technologies such as AI continuing to shape the future of business, it's an exciting time to be part of the industry.
Top tips completing a video interview
Take a deep breath and be yourself. Interviewers understand that candidates may feel nervous and want to get to know the real you.
Familiarise yourself with the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and prepare a few examples ahead of time that demonstrate your skills and experience.
Dress as you would for an in-person interview. It shows professionalism and helps put you in the right mindset.
Test your technology beforehand, including your camera, microphone, and internet connection, to help you feel more confident on the day.
What is the company culture like?
Since joining Allianz, I've found everyone to be incredibly welcoming and supportive. Colleagues are always willing to answer questions, share their knowledge, and provide opportunities to get involved in meaningful projects.
The culture is highly inclusive and encourages continuous learning and personal development. There are opportunities, such as secondments, to gain experience in different areas of the business, helping you broaden your skills and explore new interests. Allianz also has a number of employee networks that play an important role in creating a supportive environment. As Co-Chair of the Age Inclusivity Network, I've seen first-hand how these networks bring people together, encourage open conversations, and help colleagues learn from one another's experiences.
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