Intern Review

The placement was valuable in the way that it provided an insight to the world of insurance, but the work was somewhat dull and lacking in variation. Not pitched at the right level for university students

Very little engagement with colleagues in the office, was left to get on with tasks with little conversation or support from others. Those on the graduate scheme were more supportive of the interns, and they made the experience somewhat more inclusive.

Initially the supervisor was unsure of what to do with the team of interns, they seemed surprised to have been allocated interns and there was a very limited work programme in place. The first week was essentially spent reading training books to fill time whilst work was found. Whilst the training was useful, not all of it was relevant to the role required.

There was abundant work to be completed, but it was repetitious and did little to enhance understanding or develop and skills that would be useful in a graduate role, with either Allianz or any other firm. The work was very specific and process driven.

Allowed to get on with own work on a day to day basis, essentially involved working through task lists and completing the necessary amendments on the company systems. Required occasional engagement with outside companies and customers.

The skills developed were minimal and very much specific to a particular role in a particular firm in the insurance industry. They provided little advantage for my studies and marginal assistance in equipping me to apply for alternative roles.

A highly corporate environment and there was very little office atmosphere, most had their heads down working all of the time. Visits to other offices suggested that this wasn't the case in all locations.

The application and assessment programme was tightly drawn up and ran well. The HR department's involvement in organising events ran well. Overall the programme was well run centrally, but its execution within the business was somewhat lacking.

Plenty of training resources and opportunities to study them. Technical training was good and professionally delivered. The company is very supportive of staff taking on personal development and permanent staff are encouraged to study for professional qualifications.

A number of interns were offered positions on the graduate scheme with the company. If you enjoy the role and perform to a high standard, there is a good chance of being invited back, on future internships or in a more permanent role.

Interns were spread across offices in the UK, as such there was limited scope for arranging any socialising. Socialising at and after work events involving the interns was good.

Cost of living was very high, given the near London location. Though a reasonable wage was paid, allowing for this high cost of living. Socialising was minimal as stated, and therefore costs were kept to a minimum.

The town in which I was placed had a limited nightlife, and this was very expensive. As stated, limited socialising occured and as such I didnt really have the opportunity to evaluate the nightlife!

Some good inter company events were arranged and the company put on events and parties in external locations. The company is genuinely supportive of a good working environment and it does encourage staff to engage in activities outside of work. There is subsidised sport activities available at nearby locations.