My name is Christopher. I am 28 years old. My road to Baloise has been a long one. I am originally from New Zealand where I studied Information Technology. I then spent three years working in Berlin before starting an MBA at the University of St Gallen. As part of my masters, I am required to complete a 3 month project in a professional company.
Baloise has a good relationship with HSG and has offered a number of projects to the students. I was fortunate enough to find one investigating innovation.
In the Competence Centre Safety
I have a desk in the Competence Centre Safety (CCS) where I get to be involved in all the internal workings of the Baloise Safety World, a core part of the Baloise brand. The experience has been really valuable for me. Not only have I gained exposure to a respected Swiss company, but my boss has included me in the team meetings as well as some external conferences with innovation and insurance professionals. The project has been very interesting. It has MBA elements of strategy, marketing and even entrepreneurship in it. I hope to provide Baloise with a comprehensive innovation plan by the end of my tenure.
“Great opportunity to build up a network…”
Everyone in the department is really friendly and the CCS team are introducing me to new people every day. This has been a great opportunity to build up a network of contacts with professionals in the industry. I lunch most days at the company canteen with co-workers from all different departments. On Friday (the 13th of July), the Safety World campaign there was offering free emergency training courses to employees and also hosted a competition giving away BBQs and beach bags.
I have learnt a lot over the past few weeks from my boss, my team and Baloise. I have been given an insight into a Swiss company and taken an in-depth look into innovation. I will be sad to leave at the end of August but hope to stay in contact with all the wonderful people I met during my stay.
- Christopher
