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In October 1998, I joined the Allianz Group in Germany as an Economics student at Berufsakademie Mannheim. The education there is based on the aim of connecting theoretical studies with the practical experience within a company. In order to be admitted to this institution one needs to sign-up a co-operation contract with a training company which ensures the student to gain the required practical education. My company of co-operation was Allianz Versicherungs AG in Frankfurt. After my graduation in September 2001, I started working as an Account Executive for Frankfurter Allianz Versicherungs AG, at that time the direct insurance arm of Allianz in Germany.
During January 2003 until December 2005, I participated in the Allianz Development Program, which was designed to qualify a selected number of employees via a specific, systematic and comprehensive training so they are ready take up challenging tasks within the Allianz Group. This program was carried out over three years wherein we changed departments across the Allianz Group every six months.
On completion of the Allianz Development Program in December 2005, I took up the position as Treaty Underwriter within Allianz Reinsurance in Munich. In April 2006 I was given the opportunity to take over the responsibility as Treaty Underwriter in the Allianz Reinsurance Branch in Dubai, UAE. I was responsible for business generated through external clients in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan and Qatar. After successful completion of my three years expatriate contract in April 2009, I joined Allianz Re Dublin in Ireland as Client Manager responsible for Allianz Netherlands, Allianz Suisse Group and Mondial Assistance Group.
In terms of my experiences towards living and working in the Middle East, I would say that I have learned a lot about different cultures and business etiquettes in the Arab World. My position in Dubai gave me the privilege to work with colleagues and clients from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Lebanon and all over the Arabic Peninsula, which was sometimes a great challenge but on the other hand helped me to build up an broad minded personality. On a little personal note, I met my Indian wife in Dubai :o).
Being back in Europe, I have to admit that work wise I do not see much difference between Ireland and Germany. The team in Dublin consists of Irish and German colleagues and a colleague from Singapore.
In a nutshell, working abroad for a global company like Allianz is a great experience to expand your professional skills and enlarge your exposure to various cultures. All this enabled me to further strengthen my adaptability in work life. And that’s why I like my job.
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