It’s two weeks to the day since touching down in Boston (as if you hadn't guessed by the title) with huge expectations for what lay ahead – needless to say I have not been let down thus far!
There’s a lot to fit in to my first blog. The induction at Liberty Mutual was a welcome help to overcoming first day nerves, while also proving to be a great opportunity to speak with other new hires. Soon afterwards, my manager proudly claimed me as the latest addition to the Personal Markets Strategic Partner Distribution team. This was followed by a quick meet and greet where I was introduced to Wanda, the go-to woman of the office who I can only liken to Morgan Freeman’s character ‘Red’ in The Shawshank Redemption – I am told she is able to help you out with literally anything!
The objective of Strategic Partner Distribution is to seek out and acquire new distribution and third party marketing partners, and to increase the productivity of existing partner relationships. Created in January, my department addresses exciting market opportunities whereby other insurers acting as representatives of Liberty Mutual sell our personal lines. This is particularly attractive as customer acquisition costs are significantly lower than through traditional means. So far I have been kept busy contributing to the preparations for Monday’s presentation of the 2012 sales projections, so will be briefed on my project(s) next week.
However, it’s not all work and no play. I was treated to two lunches during my first week, the second of which was with my boss’ boss’ boss, Chris Capone. He took me to a delicious Italian restaurant, a firm favourite of his, which is regularly frequented by high flying business types. Besides being able to hold my own in conversation, perhaps most impressive was that I came out with a spotlessly clean white shirt after eating a tomato based dish! Mother would be proud. Mr Capone is easy to get along with and possesses many desirable attributes, as a well educated and business savvy high achiever. I thoroughly enjoyed picking his brains for advice on how to emulate this success.
I am staying in Suffolk University accommodation with 3 other Liberty interns, Mack, Rudi and Rhea; along with engineering interns Sean and Alex. Our apartment is perfectly situated, a stone’s throw away from Boston Common and a mere 10 minutes from our place of work. As if six of us aren’t enough, I am lucky to have a friend from university living in Boston. Through him I was introduced to bi-weekly games of football (soccer) which take place on the Common. Even though I don’t have the best footballing prowess, it’s still nice to show Americans how the ‘beautiful game’ ought to be played.
The Friday of week 1 was rounded off with an all American red cup party, which we slept off in at a beach the next day. The beach back in St Andrews certainly doesn't have the same appeal! The water theme continued the next day when we took a speedboat tour of Boston and got utterly soaked – great fun.
Admittedly it hasn’t just been work that has been a steep learning curve. Today I decided to adventure out to Cambridge, home of Harvard. Coming back after a pleasant walk around I found myself stuck in rush hour traffic in unforgiving weather – 101 degrees with 70% humidity. A mental note has been taken so I definitely won’t make that mistake again.
I want to sign off my first blog by reiterating a sentiment already shared by many other scholars, namely my gratitude to the Saltire Foundation for making this wonderful opportunity possible.