Data and Analytics assistant Review

I had an absolutely fantastic year as a data and analytics assistant for the ABI. My team was good fun to work alongside and I had a fantastic manager who consistently ensured I was able to achieve my personal development objectives throughout the year. The job itself was stimulating - there was a good level of variety with numerical analysis, presenting to other data teams (if desired), communication with ABI members in events and discussions, and report writing on contemporary industry trends. The best selling point of the job was the fact that you could very easily go beyond the standard expected, and tackle objectives with a high degree of autonomy.

During my time at the ABI I found my work colleagues to be extremely affable and happy to converse (especially by the coffee machine!). Though the data team itself functions in a relatively autonomous manner within the association it is also relied on for information by the other departments, so there is plenty of opportunity to engage with other colleagues if you want to. There are also a few clubs within the association (choir, running club) as well as socials which mean you have an opportunity to get to know almost everyone!

My management was easily one of the highlights of my time at the ABI. Though my manager was relatively new to direct management it meant that he took it extremely seriously, putting in many hours into ensuring myself and the other data placement student were making the most of our time there. Bi-weekly catch-ups were the norm, but my manager was more than happy to have a coffee or discuss anything if I asked.

Given the quarterly / annual nature of each data collection I worked on, workload wasn't the same throughout the year. There was always something to do, and through choosing to work towards the CII-accredited Certificate in Insurance I was able to increase my workload during relatively quiet times. On the contrary, there were a few pinch points throughout the year which were challenging (but possible) to deliver to. Towards the end of my placement I found myself to be extremely busy, which could be stressful, but my manager and team were at hand to provide assistance when asked.

This placement provides a fantastic level of responsibility, especially to data assistants. I authored quarterly reports read by actors across the insurance industry which regularly featured in the news (for example see 2019 summer subsidence claims, BBC). I was also given the opportunity to present my findings a number of times to stakeholders either within the ABI or from key ABI member data teams.

Whether I continue my career within the insurance sector or not, my placement at the ABI provided me with some invaluable skills. I learned a number of analytical skills which I was able to regularly practice, while also developing communication skills over the phone and through presentations. I now hold the CII certificate in insurance, which would be invaluable in facilitating a career within insurance, and also have an extremely valuable insight into my own work strengths, weaknesses, interests and dislikes.

The ABI has a relatively formal environment, but because of its size it was possible to make an impact on the atmosphere. For me, my slightly less formal attitude to the workplace was not disapproved of, instead helping me to build rapport with many office colleagues. I found I would get out what I put in.

This placement was excellently set up. Though not quite paralleling the development framework of more senior work colleagues, my manager ensured the placement was continuously challenging me. I was able to perform a number of tasks which kept the job interesting while giving me responsibility and developing a number of different skillsets.

I was able to work towards and achieve the CII certificate in Insurance during my placement year. I know this qualification costs approximately £1000 to undertake, but the ABI covered all costs including examination sittings. I was also able to attend workshops on facilitating and presenting which taught me invaluable skills. This was on top of the flexible personal development framework my manager was consistently helping me make the most of.

Very little room for progress within the organisation, better if willing to change departments.

The ABI has a relatively high turnover rate so I can't confirm whether the social scene is still decent, however during my placement I had a number of colleagues who went to the pub every Friday and there were a number of opportunities to socialise outside of the ABI if wanted.

London is expensive and there's no way around it! Accommodation was the key expense, alongside travel (together they came to just over £10,000 for the year). Socialising was also relatively expensive, however the salary was sufficient to make London life relatively comfortable. Also pizza union is an absolute steal for a pizza joint in the middle of London and there's a spoons nearby so you can socialise on the cheap if you want!

London has a big but expensive nightlife. I've been to better clubs and the bars cost a fortune but there were plenty of places to go out.

London is packed with different activities if you can find them - I regularly trained at athletics outside of work alongside salsa and climbing.