University attended: Aberystwyth
Office location: Head Office, Tiddington
Department, team or function: Sales & Agency
What made you choose NFU Mutual?
While searching for graduate jobs, NFU Mutual caught my attention. Having grown up with a family involved in the farming industry, I had heard the name but didn’t know much about the company itself. After speaking to some family members, I was pleasantly surprised by their overwhelmingly positive views of NFU Mutual. That endorsement made applying an easy decision. As I progressed through the assessment process, meeting current graduates and employees, the experience only solidified my choice. Everyone I encountered was open, supportive and spoke so highly of the company and the graduate scheme. I knew I had applied to the right place to start my career.
Tell us a bit about the scheme you were on
I joined the Regional Sales & Agency Scheme in the Midlands region. This provided an invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in NFU Mutual's unique distribution model. I spent time within the Agency Network and the Regional Sales Team and developed my insurance knowledge through external qualifications and in-house training. This gave me a solid foundation of knowledge, not only in sales but also in understanding the company's broader operations and values.
How did you find the onboarding experience?
The onboarding experience was fantastic. It allowed me to build strong relationships with other Professional Trainees from across the business. The insight and knowledge I gained during the first few weeks of induction proved crucial in maximising my time on the scheme. The network of Professional Trainees became a great support system, fostering personal and professional growth. My team was incredibly welcoming, especially considering my lack of prior insurance experience. They were eager to share opportunities and involve me in the team's strategic initiatives and day-to-day work.
What is your current role?
I am currently a Personal Sales Development Consultant, but I am transitioning into a promotion as a Sales Development Manager. This next step feels like a natural progression following the skills and experiences I developed while on the scheme.
What development activities have you undertaken as part of the scheme?
Throughout the scheme, there were many development opportunities, ranging from formal training sessions to on-the-job learning. Structured training included obtaining my CertCII qualification, attending workshops on Effective Influencing and Presentation Skills, and earning my product licenses. Beyond the formal learning, shadowing my team and spending time in different areas like Agencies and Head Office functions helped deepen my understanding of the business. These experiences were tailored to my personal development needs, allowing me to focus on areas where I could grow the most.
What has been your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement during the scheme was being one of the first Professional Trainees chosen to host NFU Mutual's regional conferences alongside Nick Watson. This role was newly introduced at the time and was an incredible opportunity for me to develop my presentation and public speaking skills and build my professional network. It was a moment that marked a turning point in my confidence and career at NFU Mutual.
Any application tips for graduates?
Be yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask questions - a supportive team is in place to help your development, but it's important to take the initiative and seek out as many opportunities as possible. The graduate scheme is a fantastic launchpad for your career, but it's up to you to make the most of every experience that comes your way. Embrace challenges, be curious, and stay open to learning from everyone around you.