Allianz

When Justin Trinh joined Allianz's bespoke Graduate Program, he found he was given the flexibility and support to develop his career in the direction he wanted. The program itself, as well as the guidance of both a graduate ‘buddy’ and a General Manager-level sponsor, equipped him, as he says, “with the key to crafting my career”.

Allianz graduates are carefully recruited and given that only a select number are accepted into the program each year, graduate hires are highly valued and sought after within the company. Graduates are invited to innovate and challenge the status quo, bringing fresh perspectives and exciting new ideas.

“The rotational nature of the Allianz Grad program encourages you to take ownership of different projects and relationships across the business, which helps build a well-rounded understanding of the company and your colleagues, while you’re building-up your professional skills” Justin shares. “The program accelerates your development by encouraging you to innovate and challenge the status quo and bring fresh perspectives to every new rotation, every six months.”

“You’re offered lots of different opportunities as a grad at Allianz, and they trust you with a great deal of responsibility” Justin says. I would often take ownership of a project, being accountable and trusted to see it through to its completion. That’s one of the great things about the program – the ability to take ownership and personalise your experience.”

Tailored individual development

Justin especially loved that the Allianz Grad program is focused on individual career development, allowing each person to tailor their experience to suit their personal endeavours.

“You’re encouraged to pursue your interests, and you’re given the opportunity to experience several areas of the business, exploring different professional careers rather than being pigeonholed into one area,” Justin explains.

“You’re also encourage to take initiative when it comes to your own learning and development, a theme that has continued throughout my time at Allianz. It started in the interview, where the focus was on me and what I wanted to get out of the program, and then during my rotations, my managers were receptive to understanding what my own development goals were. I would work with leaders to personalise the grad program rotation to address my areas of development and focus on projects within my interests.”

Step out of your comfort zone and grow

As a grad, you may find yourself with more questions than answers, and feel hesitant about reaching out to ask for the help you need. However, you’ll quickly learn that at Allianz, there’s support at every turn.

“I realised very quickly that everyone at Allianz is welcoming, friendly, and more than willing to go out of their way to assist you.”

“I would always be encouraged to ask questions and was initially surprised by the warm reception I would receive with their reply. People genuinely care and love to help at Allianz, so don’t be afraid!”

When you’re a graduate, you’re sure to be faced with the unfamiliar and the new. While it’s easy to stay within the safety of what you know, Justin discovered that in order to get the most out of the Graduate Program, he had to step outside of his comfort zone.

“One of my biggest tips for Grads starting out would be to step out of your comfort zone and take up new challenges that arise,” he says. “It is very easy to stay complacent and comfortable within your own little bubble, but your greatest learning occurs when you are challenged with the unfamiliar.

Justin says these tools and support underpin Allianz’s culture, where everyone has a voice and the opportunity to contribute.

“With the Allianz grad program, you are gifted with a wonderful support network that can assist in guiding you in the right direction and nudge you to strive for more.”