Internship Review at Allianz UK

The Role

Role Description

- Support the Motor Fleet business development team by: data entry, compiling claims experience forms, renewals, random spreadsheet projects
- Administrative duties
- Innovation Champion

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

It was the first time the internship programme ran at the office. Therefore, I was like the guinea pig. There wasn't a set programme so I took each day as it comes. However, speaking to interns at other offices, they seemed to gain more exposure of the insurance business. The tasks I did were not the most exciting by any means, but it did give me a good insight into the insurance industry and what to expect If work there as a graduate.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

It could be that it was the smallest office, but everyone was so lovely. Everyone was eager to take answer my countless queries and were extremely helpful, making sure I settled in well.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Very nice people but didn't give me much support. Like I said previously, there wasn't a training programme in place. I did hear from an intern at another office who was interested in actuary and doing an underwriting internship. They were able to get a few days at head office to pursue her interest. Depends on which office you are based at.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

Summer was a very quiet period. Many days I would just drink coffee and surf the internet.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

Besides being innovation champion, my main responsibility was data entry

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

I expected more responsibility and to be tested more. However, I was very much in my comfort zone. It did improve my commercial awareness and a basic understanding in insurance terminology which would prove useful if I stay in the insurance industry. At the end of the summer placement, we delivered presentations which improved my presenting skills.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Good banter. Everyone really nice. I was expecting a very corporate environment but it couldn't be any more different. This could be due to the fact it was a regional branch.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

It was okay. The summer interns had an induction day at the beginning to introduce them to the world of insurance. In the final week, we went back to Horsley Management centre to deliver presentations in front of each other and their respective managers.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

Due to the time constraints, was not able to be trained up to perform some underwriting and more advanced technical work.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

• There were no perks with this internship

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There is scope to work at other branches in the UK. There is an internal job board detailing the vacancies.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

I was the only intern at my office. There were no immediate graduates either at the office. For people situated at Guildford, there was a lively social scene. Most people at my office were middle aged so didn't feel like hanging out with them.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

The accommodation was acceptable. Could be cheaper. Luckily, my accommodation was only a 10minute walk from the office, so I saved quite a bit in transport. The train station is fairly close too, if you fancy heading to London for a day or so.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 1/10

Didn't experience the nightlife. There was V- festival though but I didn't have a ticket for that.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 1/10

Zilch

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

Each office is different in terms of opportunities. I was unlucky to be the guinea pig, so do not let this influence whether or not to apply for the summer underwriting scheme. Allianz, as a company, is first rate in the way they treat employees and how they approach business. I would love to work for the company but in a different capacity.

Review 1/3 for Allianz UK

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