What's your job about?

I am in the graduate programme at Rothbury, which consists of four 3-month rotations across the company. Right now, I am in my second rotation in Business Operations. I am overlooking how the company operates and ways we can do better in certain areas. I just completed my rotation in commercial and domestic broking which was great because it set me up to really understand the business as a whole!

As of now, I am creating a presentation for a big announcement that one of the insurers have made that needs to be delivered to the brokers and the clients. I am working alongside my manager to best deliver the presentation so the brokers understand what is going on, and how they can best let their clients know!

I am also in the mix of planning the domestic conference for 2023 in Christchurch, which is super interesting and fun! So, lots to look forward to!

What's your background?

I grew up in a seaside village, Devonport, and I moved to Wellington to attend Victoria University of Wellington.

• Highschool was best time, it goes by way too fast and when you leave you realise how good you have things!
• Leaving home to go to university was one of the best moves I ever made; I have made friends and memories for life, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the time I had! Make the most of it while you’re still there, it goes by way too fast!!
• Two years ago, I moved to Wanaka for a year, it was one of the best things my parents have done, I got to go mountain biking and skiing most days whilst balancing university too. I’d love to live there full-time one day 😊

Coming out of university I applied for heaps of graduate roles, particularly those in the big four. I am so glad to have landed Rothbury as I have had an amazing experience so far, and great exposure to many things you wouldn’t get in a large corporate. I wasn’t really planning on getting into insurance, it just happened, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Graduate roles are great if you’re a bit like me and don’t really know what you want to do yet.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

100 percent! If you are keen learner and want to try something new, it’s definitely a job anyone can do. You just need the right attitude to go with it! You will have slow days where not much happens, but you just need to be patient, and keen to give whatever opportunity comes your way a go!

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The people and the culture of Rothbury are amazing, it’s like a second family! Friday drinks are cool aswell! We are lucky enough to clock off a bit early each Friday and have a drink or two with the team in the kitchen. We also have wellness days which are a lifesaver when you just need a day off to chill out 😊

What are the limitations of your job?

One limitation in the insurance industry is that because you cannot study ‘insurance’ as such, it will take time and effort to learn how the industry works and all the lingo that comes with it. If you’re a keen learner and have patience, then you’ll be sweet!

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

• Make the most of your spare time! Go on adventures and make heaps of memories! It will really make you appreciate your spare time when you start working!
• Try as many things as you can, take every opportunity, say yes to things, and make the most of it.
• Don’t feel like your first job needs to be your dream job, because truth is it probably won’t be! So don’t be harsh on yourself and take your time to do what’s right for you not anyone else 😊