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 Can you give the readers a quick snapshot of your job?
I am a National Sales and Development Manager at Allianz.
I work with insurance brokers and agents providing Allianz insurance solutions for their business clients with more complex insurance needs. I am involved in managing our service offering brokers, communication and marketing of national products and involved in supporting the state sales teams through national sales initiatives.
Where did you start? Education and career steps?
I completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and IT at University of Technology, Sydney.
I also completed a Certificate 3 in General Insurance through the Australia and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance while studying at University.
I attended a career fair where I learned about the Allianz Graduate Program.
Working at Allianz was my first full time role. I have been here for 7 years now.
What does the graduate program at Allianz offer?
It is a two year program that involves three placements in different areas within Allianz for 8 months each.
While you are working, additional study is offered through Deakin University which is a Post Graduate Diploma in Insurance. The course is part time so it runs for the duration of the graduate program.
You have a great opportunity of being exposed to several different areas of Allianz.
What made you want to get in to the finance industry in the first place?
I have always been interested in the industry. Both of my parents are insurance brokers so I have always been exposed to the industry.
There is always great opportunity for promotion throughout different areas of the industry.
The variety has kept me here for 7 years.
What are the key challenges for those interested in entering the finance industry?
There is a lot of competition for getting into the industry and into University.
The industry is very popular and the job can be seen as glamorous so alot of people are interested in studying and working in the industry.
Is there a difference based upon gender?
The perception is that the industry is male dominated but the reality is that there are a lot of women in the industry these days. For example, about half Allianz's employees are female, although there are differences depending on the level and job type.
In May of this year, Allianz became an Employer of Choice for Women awarded by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency.
What are the key subjects that young people need to concentrate on if they are thinking about one day studying or working in finance?
- Business
- Computer Science
- Accounting
- Economics
- Legal Studies
What can parents do to assist their children in business areas - even when parents may not have a business background?
Parents can support their children when making career choices.
Parents can keep up to date on market trends and industries themselves and encourage their children to take an interest in what's happening in business through the media.
It is always good to encourage students to do work experience in areas of business that interest them when they get the opportunity.
What is the key business message you would give young persons today?
You spend so many hours and invest so much time in your job, it is important that you choose something that you enjoy and that you are passionate about.
Above all else it is essential to go about your work with honesty and integrity.
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