Jussi Nyrhinen, a surety and guarantee manager at Allianz Trade in Finland, insists that the biggest misconception about working in surety is that it’s somehow monotonous. In fact, he thinks it’s not only stimulating, but also a great way to develop a wide range of skills. 

I have never had a particular career plan. My attitude is just to say yes more than no, stay busy and seek opportunities to learn and grow. That was how I ended up at Allianz Trade in 2022.

My background is from financial advisory in a medium-sized state-owned specialized financing company. Quite different to Allianz Trade! But I’d heard great things about the company culture here, thus I was interested making the move to the private sector and looking for a more commercial perspective in my work.

I had dealt with guarantees before, but I wouldn't say I was an expert in surety by any means. What I did know was that it was a niche financial sector with an international emphasis – that piqued my interest.

When I first started, I was faced with the uncertainty that everyone experiences in a new role. But I tried to take my own advice: be brave and jump in with two feet. I’m glad I did just that, because I’ve found a role that suits me well!
You can be successful in surety in more than one way. It’s a varied area that offers so many opportunities to develop professionally. Having a wide skillset is an asset but I would say that curiosity and interest in customers and their business are key. Cooperative, collaborative people do well in this role. And ultimately, I would say; just be open to everything and seize opportunities when they arise.

Working in surety at Allianz Trade – and in the Finnish team – is great because it feels like a close community with the benefits of a large, global company. The team here works closely with one another, supporting each other in every step of the process. It has also been a pleasure to notice how helpful my colleagues from other business units have been in joint projects.

I really like the workflow here as well. Because the team is so close, I get the chance to thoroughly understand the roles of my peers and the whole process, from the first cold call to the invoicing, which in my opinion gives a good basis for customer meetings.

Between working remotely on some days and sharing laughs with coworkers in the office on others, I find there’s a good balance here for me.

 

Jussi Nyrhinen
 
Surety and Guarantee Manager  
 
Allianz Trade in Finland