Member Article

Bedford Student Hand-Selected for Graduate Programme

A graduate from Bedford has secured a much-coveted place on a new graduate scheme with specialist insurance broker Lifesure.

Twenty-two-year-old Laura Hajdarevic, recently graduated with a 2:1 in Politics and International Relations from the University of Hertfordshire. She is one of two students hand-picked for the scheme from 12 shortlisted applicants, following a demanding interview and presentation at Lifesure in July.

St Neots-based Lifesure launched the graduate programme this year with the aim to attract young talent to the UK’s ever-changing insurance industry. Laura will spend three years working across all departments, with on-the-job training and development. At the end of the three years, she will receive a diploma and be given the opportunity to continue working at Lifesure.

It is the first graduate scheme to be launched by Lifesure, which specialises leisure product insurance, including motorhomes, caravans and park homes. The company was established in 1971 by entrepreneurial salesman Colin Barnes.

Speaking about the placement, Laura said: “I was thrilled to be offered a place on Lifesure’s first ever graduate scheme. Unlike some other schemes, the Lifesure programme appealed to me because it could be built around my personal interests and skills, rather than me fitting into a set structure.

“The company’s whole ethos about caring for its people was a big plus too - the fact that they will support us through our studies over the three years is fantastic.”

Speaking about the new scheme, Paul Reid, MD of Lifesure, said: “Our graduate initiative has been in the making for quite some time, and we felt the time was right to launch it now. It’s an exciting opportunity, which allows graduates to craft their own careers and identify which area they want to specialise in. Laura will be an integral part of our team.

“We’re very passionate about nurturing new talent and are committed to supporting our staff with their development. This will help us to continue to meet the needs of the customer.”

Lifesure plans to open applications for its second intake of graduates in summer 2020 and will work with Laura and her colleague Mohammed to continuously evolve and improve the scheme. Further details about the next intake will be released in spring 2020.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ben Smith .