Henning Ruether
MA Management,2005
Bath University
I have a degree in Computer Science from Brunel University and a Masters degree in Management with Finance from Bath University.
I first came across Zurich through advertising aimed at the graduate market and was very impressed with the three-year structure of its scheme.
The programme includes full support for studying CIMA, ACCA or ACA (the choice is yours).On top of this, Zurich is a leading blue-chip company in the financial services business. his ticked all my boxes and I completed my application on the same day.
My first role within Zurich was in Performance Evaluation, where I produced monthly performance reports for the UK executive management and for the headquarters in Zurich. From day one I was given a lot of responsibilities and support to carry out the tasks.
I have been lucky to work with a very knowledgeable and friendly team, whom I can ask whenever I have a question. I also have a mentor, who is one of the board members of Zurich Financial Services UK and who I meet regularly. With all the resources available, I found it easy to integrate into my new environment at Zurich.
My next role will be based in London where I am going to work for our Global Corporate business.
I’m looking forward to this opportunity to build on my previous experience in a new environment.
After passing my CIMA exams and the graduate scheme, I am interested in making more use of Zurich’s opportunities to work internationally.
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Katy Simpson
MSc Investment Analysis, 2004
Stirling University
I have now completed my three years graduate training with Zurich, qualifying as an ACA in August. The three years have been challenging, hard work but most importantly enjoyable.
The option to study ACA outside of working in practice played a big role in attracting me to Zurich, alongside the three year rotation structure of the scheme.
I spent my first year in Financial Reporting and then moved into management accounts where I worked on development of a reporting tool to assist Executive Directors in their management of the business, in line with a new FSA initiative.
I returned to Financial Reporting, in a different role, over the crucial year end period working on production of subsidiary accounts. The knowledge I had gained through the ACA Financial Reporting exam put me in a strong position to fulfil this role.
Each of these roles has been very different, testing a number of core competencies and has given me the breadth of training and exposure, needed to determine which path I would like my future career to follow.
Zurich offers graduates an excellent study package. A number of senior managers in the department followed the same programme and therefore appreciate the time & work that is required to pass exams. The ACA qualification that I have now attained will put me in a strong position for my future in the business.
As well as developing my career during the last three years I have also made many friends and the sociable and friendly culture ensures a good mix of work and play!
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Nick Brown
BA History, 2004
St Andrews University
My background is non-financial, indeed it would be fair to say that I began at Zurich knowing absolutely nothing about finance or insurance!
I read History at St Andrews University, graduating in 2004 and then took a year out. When I applied one of the things that Zurich ’s graduate recruitment team liked was the fact that I had non-numeric analytical skills but could also demonstrate the potential to develop my numerical side too.
I started at Zurich Financial Services in September 2005 and I ’m just coming to the end of my first rotation, a year in the UK Personal Lines (UKPL) Finance Team. There I have worked in the Reporting Team – preparing the monthly result, completing schedules for the Central Finance Reporting team and providing analysis for the UKPL executive. In addition I have been given exposure to the planning process and assisted channel accountants with their business support functions. Since starting I have completed the Certificate of Business Accounting and taken the first two exams of the Professional Level.
I have found that the Zurich Graduate Programme offers excellent support for studying and the opportunity to rotate through a variety of functions, gaining great experience. The individual is given opportunities to in influence their assignments and generally to take ownership of their development. Starting at Zurich has been a steep learning curve but I have consistently been given the maximum opportunities possible and I have really enjoyed my time here.
