“I joined Allianz straight after university. As one of a small intake of graduates each year, you are a name and face, rather than just a statistic and it also means you can make a tangible and recognised contribution to the business.

The biggest challenges have also been opportunities. For example I was given responsibility to lead a team of experienced underwriters, which was a challenge as my first foray into people management.

I am currently a business developer, where I look after around 20 broker’s accounts and ensure they’re supporting us with profitable business through a combination of growth and retention. This role is all about projecting a positive image of Allianz externally. I have also been given the opportunity to add value in more subtle ways by coaching less experienced colleagues, such as graduates new to the business and acting as an ‘Innovation Champion’, which involves facilitating ways of improving our business.

The scheme gives you the opportunity to develop according to your personality and focus on your strengths, but also builds generic management skills that will enable swift progression.

It’s not all work though - I was surfing on the beach in St Ives the day supposedly a photo was taken of a shark! I am very much into outdoor stuff - surfing in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. At Allianz you’re very much encouraged to work hard in the week and are given a decent holiday package and remuneration to enjoy yourself in your free time!”