Inside the Allianz: LV=GI Graduate Scheme

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.