It was May 2017, a typical rainy Sunday evening in the UK Midlands. Surrounded by the late-night library hum, fueled by snacks and sheer willpower, the initial excitement of university was fading. Graduation felt distant, a hazy endpoint after a long slog.
Fast forward just eight weeks, and I found myself fastening my seatbelt on a flight to New York City. Destination: the AIG Global Induction Summit. The pre-trip excitement was intense. Travel blogs, glossy magazines, and mental rehearsals of the itinerary had become my constant companions. This was it – my first real job! As the plane prepared for takeoff, my mind drifted back to those low points as a student, the seemingly endless library hours, the 2 AM calculus struggles.
This article is a reflection on my initial 100 days in the professional world, a stark contrast to my university experience. For those still studying, dreaming of crossing over to the working world, for individuals curious about the AIG graduate scheme, and even for personal reflection, I hope this account provides valuable insights.
Navigating Cultural Feedback: A Global Perspective
British feedback often begins with a gentle preamble, “Firstly, I really loved it…”, a cultural nuance designed to soften any criticism. However, my training in New York quickly revealed that directness varies significantly across cultures. The 2018 Early Career Analyst Program at IAG New York brought together analysts from across the globe – Japan, America, Canada, Malaysia, Belgium, Brazil, and the UK. Diplomacy levels differed vastly. The steepest learning curve was adapting to feedback from more direct cultures. If they disliked something, you knew it, unequivocally and often publicly.
This was a departure from the university environment. Many of us, unlike our internationally experienced classmates, hadn’t studied or worked abroad. The professional setting, particularly within a global program like the 2018 Early Career Analyst Program, fostered a unique cultural fusion. As a Brit in America, amidst five other nationalities, many unfamiliar with the subtle dynamics within the group, the experience was both fascinating and invaluable. Observing how a Japanese colleague raised a concern compared to an American counterpart was truly enlightening. Understanding these diverse cultural approaches to collaboration became perhaps the most significant takeaway from my first 100 days.
Discovering a Passion for Public Speaking
Public speaking had always been a quiet interest, but presenting to an audience of 300+ people? That felt daunting. It wasn’t until my executive coach during the induction summit, Alex Lazarus, encouraged me to push my boundaries that I recognized a true passion emerging: public speaking.
There’s an undeniable energy in presenting ideas. Even the most mundane topic can be captivating when delivered with enthusiasm and engagement. Public speaking offers a unique freedom to inject personality and humor, aspects often constrained in other professional contexts.
This experience highlighted two key reflections from my initial 100 days within the 2018 Early Career Analyst Program. Firstly, a desire to combine my interests in insurance, finance, and economics with public speaking. Secondly, the paramount importance of embracing diverse experiences. Whether on day 10 or day 100, new experiences reveal preferences and aversions. How can you know you dislike something if you’ve never tried it?
Staying True to Your Passions Beyond the 9-to-5
My third key takeaway from these first 100 days revolves around passion. Social mobility, ensuring equal opportunities for disadvantaged children, is a cause deeply important to me. Initially, choosing a career outside of teaching felt like abandoning this commitment. However, I quickly learned that professional environments can be powerful platforms for broader impact. By initiating conversations with the Head of Diversity at AIG, I began the groundwork for establishing a Youth Social Mobility arm within the Young Professionals Employee Resource Group. My ambition to improve social mobility, initially seemingly distant from a career in insurance, began to take shape. A 9-to-5 job doesn’t preclude making a positive global impact.
The Workplace: The Ultimate University
Finally, reflecting on my first 100 days within the 2018 Early Career Analyst Program, I can confidently assert that the workplace is, in many ways, the best university. Each day offers direct, applicable learning with tangible relevance. During my academic years, the practical application of theoretical knowledge often felt abstract. However, learning the entrepreneurial spirit of my team and witnessing their market leadership firsthand is invaluable.
My initial 100 days at AIG have been incredibly rewarding, and I eagerly anticipate the next 100, and beyond, within the Early Career Analyst Program.
