From information specialist to super user- how I found myself in the surety niche at Allianz Trade

28 June 2022

Before I joined Allianz Trade as an information specialist, I didn’t have a deep understanding of what Allianz Trade did. I have to admit, I knew even less about the surety business! Until I joined, I’d had a varied career, having been a teacher and having worked in healthcare administration. But I jumped at the opportunity to join the Allianz team doing trade credit research, and I’ve never looked back!

My interest in the surety niche grew once I started working there. About a year on, when I heard of an opening in that department, I decided to go for it. 

There was obviously a steep learning curve, particularly in terms of acquiring the necessary technical knowledge and skills. However, I have an analytical mind, and that helped me get up to speed quickly.

I also relied on the interpersonal skills I’ve developed over my career, since these are of paramount importance in this business. Ours is an industry based on human relationships, with lots of time spent on the phone, working through challenges. Good communication and relational skills are crucial for building a community that ultimately leads to profitability and success.

One of the things I like the most about my role within Surety at Allianz Trade is the dynamic nature of the job. Each challenge is handled differently, so you have to be ready to step out of your comfort zone. I also think having the right attitude helps: it’s about digging in, staying positive, and being ready to learn.   

I have been very lucky with my team at Allianz Trade. It is tight-knit but also open and welcoming. My colleagues were so helpful in terms of training and helping me learn; they are ready to answer questions and help me find solutions to issues. It took me about six months to get up to speed, and I’ve now been in my job for four years. As time has gone on, I have acquired an increasingly hands-on role dealing with brokers. Now they know I can be their go-to person whenever they need something.

Recently I have been given the opportunity to become what we call a “super user” where I deal with the system behind the scenes. This means that I am the gatekeeper for anything that comes from the Group in Europe and needs to be implemented in America. I have to figure out if it will function and make sure it works locally. In 2021, I received a Customer and Market Excellence Award for my performance in 2020. It feels nice to see my efforts translated into value that is recognized internally!   

The main thing I think newcomers need to know about surety is that anyone can apply. There are so many different roles, and as long as you are curious and willing to learn, you can acquire the necessary technical skills and terminology and find your place. The possibilities are endless, there is enormous job satisfaction to be had, along with the chance to work with a very diverse group of people. And there are always new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Who would not want to be part of such a dynamic team, company and industry?

Jillian Wienecke

Surety Underwriter Partner

Allianz Trade in Americas