As a Senior Pricing Analyst, my day is often varied and can involve extracting and analysing data to drive insights, building statistical models for prediction and eventually proposing changes that make a difference. I find it’s really exciting when you can track your ideas making real impact.
There are many fantastic things I’ve found since I’ve been at Hastings, my highlights are the exposure I’ve had with senior stakeholders, the work I’ve been involved in and how much I’ve learnt. The culture here is fast paced but people are extremely helpful as well as fun and enthusiastic and hard work is really recognised and rewarded.

I started the graduate scheme in 2016 and I’m now on my final placement. I have worked in different departments through my scheme rotations including Tax, Financial Planning and Analysis and Financial Reporting. I am currently in a Projects role where I am working directly with senior leaders in the company, developing my leadership skills and gaining an understanding of the wider business.
The scheme allows graduates the opportunity to obtain a wide range of knowledge, skills and experience through each of the rotations. I’ve found each of my rotations have been tailored to my own strengths and development areas.
There is great study support for my company funded ACCA qualification which I am now close to finishing and I’ve also had the opportunity to be involved with the recruitment of new graduates.

I joined Hastings Direct in 2014 soon after finishing my law degree and started on the Claims graduate scheme.
The main highlight of working at Hastings for me, is all the fantastic people I’ve met. Through the work I’ve been involved in, it has enabled me to work with many different colleagues across the business. In 2016 I moved into the Digital and Marketing department as Customer Relationship Management Executive and have an exciting role in the continuous improvement and delivery of our customer communications.

I started on the Finance Graduate Scheme, which included rotations around the department and exposure to each team. Now, as the company grows, I have a large amount of variety in my role and a great deal of involvement in company projects, which keeps me engaged. The culture makes Hastings Direct a great place to work; it’s not too formal and has a relaxed atmosphere. A lot of the teams at Bexhill-on-Sea are integrated at all levels, which helps with effective communication. I also really enjoy the location on the south coast with sea views from our building.

The graduate programme opened many doors to meet new people, and helped me to recognise the direction I wanted to take my career in. It gave me the chance to work on projects that not only played to my strengths but that also fitted into my career pathway. I learnt a lot of things, from technical skills to always being prepared to get involved, be ready to learn new things and be open minded about the roles you want to do. But the main highlight was just how supportive and approachable everyone was. I can honestly say that everyone I met was friendly and helpful.

It was the opportunity to gain a variety of exposure to different areas of finance that attracted me to the programme. I’ve contributed to some major projects, such as helping to produce the group’s annual report. I was also proud to be part of the team to deliver the IPO, which was a huge achievement for the company. With the study support I received, I’ve also passed my ACCA and become a qualified accountant. So now I’m looking forward to my new role as a Management Reporting and Planning Accountant here and to continue developing myself and progress my career.