As we launch a new Graduate Data Scientist role this week, we hear from Isobel on her two years with Hastings, having joined the team after completing her chemistry degree in 2019 and why she’d encourage other graduates to come on board.
A challenging graduate-entry role
I joined Hastings Direct in February 2019 as a Risk Pricing Analyst within Underwriting Services. I had studied chemistry at university and when I finished my Masters, I knew I wanted to move away from research but also wanted to keep using my analytical skillset. Whilst I was trying to figure out my next step, I moved home and spotted the vacancy at Hastings Direct. I wasn’t wholly sure what a job in insurance was going to entail but I was excited by the thought of a challenging, graduate-entry role that meant I’d be able to stay close to my family.
I’ve learnt a huge amount
My working life at Hastings Direct is – first and foremost – varied. As part of this role, I have learnt a huge amount – coding, economics, underwriting principles, management, data storage to name a few and I really appreciate how we are encouraged and supported to develop our skillsets. Whilst there is a core aspect of your role, there are so many opportunities to get involved in different projects, whether it be sourcing of novel data, liaising with different teams, helping out with apprentices, developing new analysis tools or even mucking in with diversity and inclusion work! Hastings has provided many opportunities for me to learn, develop and hone a wide skillset, and I’ve always liked how you have a real influence over the type of work that you get to do.
Friendly and welcoming
Risk Pricing (RP) is a great team to be part of – we are perfectly positioned to get involved in virtually all areas of underwriting, which helps keep the work varied! RP is extremely friendly and welcoming; we have grown recently but have managed to retain the feel of a smaller team, which I feel is really important. The wider underwriting services department are such a bunch of lovely, friendly people who will always go above and beyond to help out – it’ll be nice finally getting to see them in the office again!
Just apply
If you’re considering joining Hastings as the next step in your career, just apply! In RP, you will quickly develop an extremely strong skillset and get a huge variety in your work. Hastings Direct itself is a brilliant company to work for – they really look after colleagues, go out of their way to be amenable and flexible to individuals’ requirements and foster a welcoming community feel – I genuinely can’t recommend them highly enough.
Join us: We have opportunities for Data Scientist Graduates to join us. If Isobel’s story sounds like a team you’d like to be part of, find our more or check out other available roles in the company.