University attended: University of Exeter
Degree: Business Economics
Office location: Field-based, South West & Wales
Department, team or function: National Intermediary Services, Business Development Team
What made you choose NFU Mutual for your career in sales?
My interest in NFU Mutual began when a friend on the Sales & Agency scheme shared their positive experiences with me. Their enthusiasm and pride in working for NFU Mutual piqued my curiosity. I reached out to a local NFU Mutual Agent to learn more, and their insights about representing the company were incredibly motivating. This personal connection and understanding of the company's values made NFU Mutual stand out as the ideal place for me to start my career.
Can you describe the Sales scheme you’ve been a part of?
I joined the Midlands and East Sales Team in September 2021. My initial few months were spent shadowing the regional team to grasp the basics of insurance and our business model. Early in the scheme, I completed the CII Fast Track Course and earned my Cert CII, which was a significant milestone. Following this, I engaged in several agency placements where my focuses were on CRM adoption, building commercial pipelines, and applying my motor, personal and commercial licenses. One highlight was my six-month placement in Jersey with Islands Insurance, an NFU Mutual subsidiary. There, I worked across broking, claims, and marketing teams and led a project to implement robotics in the claims system, automating payment processes. Returning from Jersey, I joined the National Intermediary Services (NIS) team on placement in the Business Development Team.
How did you find the onboarding experience at NFU Mutual?
The onboarding experience was exceptional. NFU Mutual kept me well informed throughout the application process and organised various activities to help us get to know each other before our official start. This proactive approach made me feel valued and part of the team from day one, even before my formal start date.
What is your current role, and what does it involve?
I am currently a Business Development Consultant within the National Intermediary Services (NIS) team, covering the South West and Wales. In this role, I drive agency engagement in order to develop the distribution of non NFU Mutual commercial insurance solutions. The role aligns well with my interests and experiences and I'm excited about the impact I can make.
What development activities have you undertaken as part of the scheme?
The development support throughout the scheme has been outstanding. I participated in numerous workshops on skills such as time management, resilience strategies, and effective influencing. I also completed the Cert CII Fast Track course and received support for further qualifications. Regular catchups ensured I had a personalised development plan and made the most of the available resources.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
Two achievements stand out for me. Hosting the 2023 Sales & Agency Regional Conferences was a significant milestone, and I’m also incredibly proud of my time in Jersey with Islands Insurance. Both experiences were remarkable and contributed greatly to my professional growth.
Do you have any application tips for graduates looking at NFU Mutual?
Absolutely! Be yourself and let your enthusiasm shine through. Ask questions and show genuine interest in the role and the company. Enthusiasm is contagious and energises those around you. If there’s a particular aspect of the job that excites you, make sure to express it. Authenticity and passion can make a big difference in your application.