Andy Nguyen - 2019 graduate

Role: Analytics – Natural Peril Pricing Team

University background: UNSW B Actuarial Studies / B Economics (Financial Economics)

Can you describe a day in the life of your current rotation? (What division you are in; have you learned; have you been involved in?) 
I’m in the Customer Labs division, with my first rotation in Analytics – Natural Perils Pricing. I have been very lucky to be in a rotation where I am communicating to multiple stakeholders, eg Group Natural Perils, AD Pricing, Reinsurance Underwriting, AD Finance, and lots more. This is because my core work has been focused on developing the Peril Data Portal, which is a centralised pricing engine for all things Natural Perils-related. This project has already been going on for more than a year and there are many different stakeholder expectations. In terms of the nitty gritty, the work involves a lot of data cleaning, programming and project planning. I also get my fair share of analytical work and presentations which constantly challenge and develop my skills for the workplace.

It’s not all work though! There are also lots of Grad workshops and activities planned every month which keeps things interesting.

Finally, the Grad cohort keeps my social life pretty busy. We hang out during lunches, have coffee breaks together and there’s always after-work events planned.

Describe in three words your experience so far: Exciting, challenging and supportive

What has the support network at IAG been like for you as a Grad?
There is an extensive support network at IAG. I have a rotation buddy, a graduate buddy, my manager and all the friendly and approachable colleagues around me.

What has been your most memorable experience on the Grad Program so far?
When I had to give a presentation in front of everyone in Customer Labs Analytics! I had only been in my rotation for less than a month and my understanding of the presentation material was still a bit shaky. However, to learn is to step out of your comfort zone. After delivering the presentation (which I thought went horribly wrong), I was overwhelmed by everyone’s supportive comments.

If you could give 1 piece of advice to a student applying for the Grad Program, what would it be?
Instead of thinking what skills you can bring to IAG, think about how IAG can support your dreams and ambitions. Dream big, live passionately and be Closer, Braver and Faster – IAG wants you to be successful, so lose any self-doubt during the application process you may have!

At IAG our purpose is making the world a safer place, how do you feel you have contributed to this within the community? 
IAG believes in being Closer, Braver and Faster. This helps facilitate the purpose of making the world a safer place. I believe I was able to help in delivering great initiatives for IAG’s DAG (Data & Analytics Guild) community by volunteering to design its new logo and provide assistance at its Analytics photoshoot event.