Kathryn Axcell
BA (Hons) Marketing Management, 2006, Coventry University
I graduated from Coventry University gaining a first class Bachelor of Arts Marketing Management Degree with honours. Upon searching for a graduate programme it was important for me to consider companies with marketing credentials and global recognition.
As Zurich split graduate recruitment into focused disciplines, it provided the opportunity to specialise in the area of business which I had studied, and gain institute qualifications. Zurich was very helpful from day one with efficient communications and supportive overtones. The Zurich recruitment process represented the calibre of the company, with a personalised approach.
My qualifications, hobbies and work experiences, particularly in financial services and marketing, have enabled me to bring an array of skills to Zurich. Communication skills and the ability to work in a team or alone have been particularly important to my first role in Marketing Communications. The people at Zurich are particularly welcoming and I have access to an excellent support-network. I am thoroughly enjoying the experience.
I aspire to simultaneously learn from Zurich and contribute significantly to the business with a young, fresh approach to marketing. I am fully committed to achieving the milestones set by the Graduate Programme and aim to gain Chartered Institute of Marketing qualifications. I hope to continually build my status within Zurich and fulfil ambitious senior roles in the future.
Ollie Shipman
BSc Geography, 2005
Leeds University
Prior to starting at Leeds University I took a gap year to see more of the world. This included three months in the Philippines on a conservation project to help protect the surrounding coral reefs, which I found hugely rewarding.
Three years later I graduated with a BSc in Geography but previous work experience in the field had convinced me to pursue a career in marketing. The fact that Zurich were prepared to accept candidates without a marketing or business degree was therefore immediately appealing.
My time so far with Zurich has been predominantly spent within the Marketing Communications function. I have gained experience in project managing the delivery of marketing campaigns and built relationships with our media and creative agencies. More recently I was given the opportunity to gain specialist skills in online marketing. This has been a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself in such a dynamic and developing field.
The Graduate Programme has been fully rewarding, offering an excellent blend of on the job experience and specialist training. Zurich have also supported me through my marketing exams as I aspire to become a chartered marketer with the CIM. I am looking forward to broadening my experience within other marketing functions as I continue with my rotations before deciding on a specific role within Zurich.
