Hannah Lee, a data scientist at Zurich Insurance, speaks to Health & Protection about the wealth of opportunities a career in protection insurance can offer, the challenge of moving teams after a company restructure and her skiing and netball skills.
How did you get your start in the sector?
After I finished my A-Levels I was looking for higher-level apprenticeships that had an element of maths. Zurich were hiring an actuarial apprentice and with their reputation of being an ethical employer with a great culture, it seemed like the perfect choice. I have since moved on to working as a data scientist focussing on the life protection business. There are many opportunities for simplification and innovation in this area and I am currently working on projects which aim to improve the customer journey.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I love that I get so much variety in my role. I’ve worked on many projects in the AI and machine learning space – no two projects are the same and I’m never bored. But I have to say the best thing about my role is the team. Everyone is so supportive.
Who is your role model – in life or in work?
My mum – she has always worked so hard and always gives the best advice.
Who has been your most important mentor in your career so far and why?
That would have to be my manager, Jonathan Davis. He seems to know absolutely everything. He’s been my manager for over three years now and in that time he has taught me so much. He is such a big supporter and wants me to succeed, which I think is so important in a manager/mentor.
What advice would you give to people thinking about a career in the sector?
Insurance is associated with being a bit boring, but it’s not. It offers variety and opportunities to follow many different career paths – there’s something for everyone. I’d say that having the right attitude is most important.
What has been your biggest setback and how did you overcome it?
After about a year in the company, a restructure meant that I had to move teams. I ended up moving to the data science team which was really daunting at the time as they were working on so many advanced projects. But I think being open to change is so important – progress is impossible without change. It gave me a new direction in my career, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and allowed me to learn so much.
Laugh or cry – what did your most memorable client or case make you want to do and why?
A bit sad – but I think I’ve wanted to cry over poor data quality on several occasions.
What’s your ultimate goal for your career?
The ultimate goal is to always be in a job that makes me look forward to getting up in the morning. I would also love to do more to improve gender diversity in data science.
How would your boss describe you?
I’ve cheated and asked him – “Hannah is creative and focused, with a will to succeed and an ability to learn quickly. She is a role model to her colleagues, able to handle change with agility.”
What’s your biggest talent away from work?
I think describing them as a talent is a push but I love to ski and I play in a netball team.
What mantra do you live by?
“Forget the mistake, remember the lesson”
What song would you regard as your theme tune?
Natasha Bedingfield – Unwritten
