Name Calli Snowdon, Graduate in Modern Languages
with Management with an MSc in Computing Science
University Newcastle
I was looking to work for a large company.
"I had nine gap years between my A-levels and university. And I spent
that time working in hotels and accounts departments, and travelling
throughout Australia and New Zealand. One of my most interesting jobs
was to 'thin' ugly kiwi fruit from vines – some of them grow what looks
like beaks, which have to be removed.
"Once I'd come back and graduated, though, I was looking to work for a
large company with a variety of products which would allow me to gain a
wide range of experience. So while I work for Aviva Life right now –
I know there's always a chance I might move to another area in the Aviva Group.
"I'm still learning the skills that'll help me get the most out of all
that variety. My first six-month placement was spent working in Business
Change & IT Solutions Delivery as a Project Manager. My second was
within the portfolio planning team – which oversees the governance,
scheduling and planning of all BCIT programmes.
"And I've already done my Prince2 Foundation Project Management qualification,
and passed the first two Financial Planning Certificate exams.
I've always been keen for companies to play an active role in the community.
"As you can imagine, I spent a lot of time outdoors on my travels. I've
grown to appreciate the importance of looking after the environment. In turn,
I've always been keen for companies to play an active role in communities. So
while I wouldn't say Aviva's activities sold the job to me on their own – the
lack of effort from many of their competitors certainly ruled a lot of other
jobs out.
"And it's been great to see that all the stuff I read about really does happen.
The business works hard to limit its impact on the environment – being carbon
neutral is only just one element to their approach.
"For my part, I've become more and more involved with raising money for charities.
Last July, I took part in the Nijmegen Marches in the Netherlands, which meant
walking 40km a day for four days. I could tell you some real horror stories about
the blisters I got, but I didn't quit, and raised over £1,000 for Cancer
Research – of which Aviva's £plus scheme donated £350.
"I'm not alone in getting involved in good causes, either. Some of my friends
in Project Management volunteered to clear and replant some gardens at a local
sheltered accommodation centre – and others took part in a charity dragon boat
race for Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. It's really spurs you to do something good
when you know your employer's going to support you all the way."