“I’m about to embark on perhaps the riskiest thing I’ve ever done. Myself and a colleague from Allianz are attempting a ‘rickshaw run’ - 2000 miles of treacherous terrain through the Himalayas in two weeks, to raise some serious money for charity. I’m still waiting to see if my insurance will cover it! The thing is – it’s this kind of adventurous spirit and love of a challenge which Allianz really recognise and nurture in their graduates - in play of course, but more pertinently in work, which if you’ve got a personality like mine, you’ll relish.

I joined Allianz on the Sales, Marketing and Business scheme in September 2006. I already knew they were a global financial services brand but that was about it. I suppose I’d expected it might be a bit stuffy since it’s so well established and dealing with a serious and complex marketplace. I couldn’t have been more wrong - it’s dynamic, open and friendly and I think that’s really the secret to their success. I was bowled over by how valued I felt as a graduate - I was seen as an asset from day one.

As well as working towards my ACIM, with which I am supported every step of the way, I am a Key Account Developer working within the affinity team at the moment. I maintain important business relationships and look into developing new business with potential clients. I’ve been given lots of responsibility from a very early stage and that’s really brought out the best in me, as I wouldn’t have wanted to feel like I still had my training wheels on after two years. Here there’s no danger of that, I feel like an important part of the business already.”