Max tells us why he would recommend working at the ABI

Data & Analytics Assistant Max Robinson blogs on what he learnt from his placement year, and why he would recommend working at the ABI

by Max Robinson

Tell us a bit about what you’ve been doing in your placement?

I have learnt a great deal in my placement year at the ABI, developing many competencies professionally and personally.

I have managed numerous data collections as well as other tasks set by my manager and work colleagues, allowing me to stand back from my day-to-day responsibilities and consider the bigger picture of insurance, from industry regulators to consumer behaviours. 

What made you apply for the placement and what was the interview process like?

I applied for the placement because of how different an opportunity it posed to be, not only as the ABI operates in an industry which I had considerably less knowledge of before I joined, but also being a trade body and thus being able to view things from an unbiased standpoint to support a competitive industry.

The interview process was great. I instantly clicked with my soon-to-be line manager Matt Cullen and the other members of staff that I met, feeling so comfortable answering questions and discussing my personal areas of strength which would fit the role at the ABI. It was certainly the most important factor when I decided which placement I should do.

How would you describe the culture at the ABI? What’s it like to work here?

With such a productive yet relaxed atmosphere, it was easy to enjoy my time at the ABI. I really appreciated the friendliness colleagues had, particularly in always being willing to share knowledge and discuss areas outside of my specific role.

Describe your team in three words.

Personable, responsible, adaptable.

Tell us your favourite opportunity you’ve had in your time here.

Being able to attend EY and Deloitte motor and property seminars has been great for my learning and as a result increased my level of enjoyment whist working. Being able to network with people who work outside of the ABI was great to get multiple perspectives on current and pressing affairs in the insurance world.

What advice would you give to a placement student joining the ABI?

My advice would be to adopt a mindset of trying your absolute best to get the most out of each day. A higher output of work will be produced, and it will make the placement feel like more of a permanent role.

I have learnt so much from the placement and thoroughly enjoyed my time at the ABI; I couldn’t recommend working here highly enough!