03 Dec 2020

At Generali, a priority of our People Strategy is our focus on creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) makes up a critical part of our cultural transformation and is a fundamental driver of innovation to deliver on our Lifetime Partner strategy by the end of 2021.

Over the last few years, we have put in place several concrete actions to make this happen. In 2020, one of our initiatives was partnering with CareER to launch an Inclusive Internship Program which provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to experience the workplace. In doing so, this helps them develop independence and confidence for their future careers.

Here, Cyrus Chu, one of our interns under the Inclusive Internship Program, reflects on his experience at Generali Asia:

1. How has your internship with Generali Asia contributed to your development and preparation for entering the workforce?

The internship with Generali Asia helped me learn about the overall landscape of the insurance industry and, the structure of a multi-national insurance company at both the local and regional level. The HR team provided induction training for all interns so we could learn about the range of work from different teams. Even though the sessions were conducted under the work-from-home scheme (due to Covid), it was great that I could still meet the interns from the other departments.

During my 6-month internship, I was working in Generali Asia’s risk management department, focusing on life underwriting risk assessment. I learnt the general framework of risk assessment methodology in relation to life protection products. Working from home due to Covid19 really made me think about my communication with my teammates and time management skills, which was a good lesson to learn.

This role has facilitated my preparation for my further career development within the insurance sector. I think insurance is a sustainable business, but more innovation is necessary for the long run.

2. What did you most enjoy about your internship with Generali Asia?

The most enjoyable part of the job was working and meeting people from all over the world. My teammates came from places such as China, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

It also gave me the opportunity to practice my English and build my confidence in using it in a professional manner. In addition, I also learnt about the working style, lifestyle and culture of my teammates through daily conversations. It was also interesting to learn about Generali’s open culture for employee mobility where people are given the opportunity to move to other offices in the region.

I enjoyed the style of working in my team because I was given a lot of autonomy and wasn’t micro-managed. Finally, I also appreciate the flexibility that comes with Generali Asia’s WFH scheme. This supported a safe working environment during the third wave of Covid-19 in Hong Kong.

3. Please describe your experience at Generali in 3 words.

ARE: Amazing, Rewarding, Excellent!