IFSDG: How long have you worked in
AXA Business Insurance?
Lewis: I have just finished my second week of
induction training and officially start on the 8th August.
IFSDG: How many people work at AXA Business
Insurance?
Lewis: AXA Business Insurance is headquartered
in Glasgow, and is the branch of AXA that offers policies direct to
small businesses across the UK. More than 200 people currently work
there.
IFSDG: What opportunities are there for school leavers
in Glasgow with AXA Business Insurance?
Lewis: The company offers a Foundation
Apprenticeship in Financial Services*, work experience
opportunities, as well as full-time modern apprenticeships to
school-leavers. AXA's Glasgow office also regularly hosts tours and
business presentations for pupils of all ages.
IFSDG: Why did you decide to do a Foundation
Apprenticeship?
Lewis: I found out about the Foundation Apprenticeship through
my careers advisors at school. I applied because I was interested
in a career in financial services and attracted to the idea of
learning theory in the classroom as well as practical in the work
placement.
IFSDG: How did you find out about the job at AXA and how
did you plan for the interview?
Lewis: I found out about the job through Graeme
Cairns, an AXA team leader. Graeme was my mentor when I was
completing my Foundation Apprenticeship. To prepare for the
interview, I was able to draw on the emails the company sent me
about the interview format. I also learned about business during my
work placement and from college and both of these things were
really helpful in preparing for interview.
IFSDG: What's a typical day for you?
Lewis: I will be working with AXA on a part
time basis whilst I undertake an Honours degree in Accountancy at
Glasgow Caledonian University. I think the combination of the study
and work will really advance my career.
A typical day at AXA will involve call handling and working with
customers to ensure excellent customer service. I am going to be
very busy.
IFSDG: Three good things about working in
Glasgow?
Lewis:
- Transport services make it easy to get to work.
- Working in the city centre means there are lots of places to go
for socialising after work.
- As the city's slogan says 'People Make Glasgow'! Everyone is
friendly, helpful and easy to talk to.
IFSDG: Which business person or company do you admire
and why?
Lewis: I'd say Alan Sugar, simply because he
started off as a market trader but through hard work and
determination has become one of the most successful entrepreneurs
in the UK.
IFSDG: What is your biggest achievement to
date?
Lewis: My biggest achievement to date is
passing five Highers in my fifth year of school.
IFSDG: What did you want to be when you were a
child?
Lewis: A footballer.
IFSDG: What do you do to relax away from the
office?
Lewis: Go to the gym, play football, or
read.
IFSDG: I-Phone or Android?
Lewis: iPhone
IFSDG: Favourite sport?
Lewis: Football
IFSDG: Favourite movie?
Lewis: Captain America-Civil War
IFSDG: Sunshine or snow?
Lewis: Sunshine
IFSDG: and finally, what three words sum you
up?
Lewis: Genuine, Hardworking and Responsible
* Foundation Apprenticeships are a work-based learning
opportunity for secondary school pupils in S4 and S5. Young people
spend time out of school at college or with a local employer, and
complete the Foundation Apprenticeship alongside their other
subjects like National 5s and Highers. http://bit.ly/1j3bMH2