We caught up with Ed Dunn, a History and German graduate from the University of Southampton, who joined the Allianz Management Trainee Scheme. He tells us about his background, his time at Allianz, and gives us some unique insight into the application process along with some great hints and tips.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
My name’s Ed Dunn and I’m on the Allianz Management Trainee Scheme. I went to the Uni of Southampton where I studied History and German. I did a year Abroad in Germany and I’m currently working in the Management Information team in the Engineering Department for Allianz.
What inspired you to apply for this role/this company?
The main reason I applied for Allianz was because of its dedication to its people. At Allianz, you aren't just another employee, but instead a person to be invested in.
What was the single most important thing you learnt in your first week of your role?
Time management- you can’t do everything in one day, but it is important to do the right work.
What is your role and how long have you been at Allianz?
My current role is as a data analyst and I have been working for Allianz now since September 2018. My day to day tasks are to run reports and to investigate issues we are having operationally. I receive requests or queries from managers and have to go back to them with answers. Prior to this, I worked as an Underwriter for our inspection account, there it was my job to price contracts, add on any mid term amendments and process renewals.
What would a ‘normal’ day look like for someone in your role?
One of the things I love about my job is there is no typical day and it depends on the questions I’m asked in the morning. I could spend the day looking into our fleet of cars and when they need to renew or I could spend it working on an analysis of the work an individual did over a year.
What do you find most interesting with the sector/industry you’re in?
How diverse and different it is.
What was the application process like? What was the hardest part? What did you enjoy the most?
I sent a CV and application letter, then an online test, telephone interview and finally an assessment centre.
What is the company culture like?
One of my favourite things about the company’s culture is it’s okay to fail, as long as you learn from the mistake. No one ever blames you for your faults, as long as you try and learn from them.
How important is diversity to you and what is Allianz doing in this space at the moment?
Diversity is very important within Allianz and we are trying to actively expand our workforce by employing more female engineers etc., but there is certainly more room for improvement.
Have you had the opportunity to get involved in any activities outside work?
Yes I have, I’ve managed to do outreach into local schools and attend conferences on social mobility.
Anything that has surprised you since you started?
How interesting insurance is!
Do you feel university prepared you for what is expected of you in your role?
University itself didn’t but the extracurricular activities I took part in whilst there did.
Finally, any tips for anyone who’d like to apply for a similar role at Allianz?
Be yourself. In an interview or an application letter, it’s always important you show who you are and if you get rejected then remember, it means you weren’t a right fit for the company and so wouldn’t have enjoyed working there. It isn’t a comment on you, but just means there is a better role for you.
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To find out more about Allianz and view their opportunities, click here.