What's your job about?
My graduate program is at Rothbury, one of the largest insurance brokers in New Zealand, who provide financial advice to businesses and Kiwis about insurance cover. The graduate program at Rothbury lasts one year, during which time graduates undergo several rotations in different departments throughout the company. Although everyone does a rotation with the broking branches, all other rotations are unique to the individual. I have worked within the digital transformation, business operations and people and culture teams. My role has general involved researching and analysing data or producing reports and materials to distribute to the brokers. However, I've also written instruction manuals SWIFT, our internal brokeing system, and produced learning modules that are used to train brokers! Rothbury gives its graduates a lot of freedom to take up more work or to spend time learning about particular roles, so I sometimes shadow a team member to find out more about what they do. The best part is everyone is willing to help!
What's your background?
I was born in the UK and grew up in the Northeast of the UK. Growing up I was very competitive and swam at a national level whilst I was at school – and was the fastest in the UK at one point! I also aspired to go to a top university, so strove to get the best grades that I could. Balancing National Swimming and trying to get top grades at School was difficult but hugely rewarding. When I was 18 I was lucky enough to get into St Andrews, one of the top universities in the country and the best university in Scotland. The same week that I got my acceptance letter my parents moved to New Zealand, and I stayed in the UK to complete my study. I would visit every year and fell in love with the country, resolving to emigrate when I had finished my studies. At university I continued to compete in swimming and was lucky enough to represent Scotland! I also helped to run the swimming club and was its president for several years! In my final year I was lucky enough to get one of the highest grades in the year for my dissertation, which was a huge personal goal of mine. After my graduation I came to New Zealand and started applying for graduate programs. Like many people I ‘fell into insurance’ but fell in love with the company. By the time I reached my final interview I had turned down another program, I knew where I wanted to end up! I am now almost finished in the graduate role and have had an amazing year. The highlight being some of the conferences we attended and our ‘graduation’ at the Christmas party.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
I think anyone could be a great fit for the graduate program, regardless of their background! I do think that it helps to have good analytical skills, critical thinking skills and having the confidence to speak in front of others. However, other roles and rotations might have different requirements or skills, so really anyone can apply, Rothbury will tailor the program to your skills and needs!!
What's the coolest thing about your job?
I think one of the most unique aspects of Rothbury that I love is the way the company is so enthusiastic to engage its graduates in meaningful work. I am not spending days doing admin or being overlooked in meetings. I frequently work with executive team leaders and business managers within the company on unique and sometimes complex issues. I think Rothbury is the only company in New Zealand where a graduate can knock on an exec’s door and have a conversation about an issue or get some advice - which is amazing exposure and experience for a graduate.
What are the limitations of your job?
No job is without its limitations. With the program being four rotations, you sometimes have less work or quiet periods. At first, I struggled with the differing workloads. Secondly, the downside of being treated as an equal team member is that you are held as accountable as one! This can be stressful at times, but the responsibility and experience you gain from it is invaluable.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...