Davina Harris, account manager – individual protection at MetLife UK, speaks to Health & Protection about eschewing a career in biomedical science, overcoming self doubt, her faith in God and why candidates seeking to work in the sector should just go for it.
How did you get your start in the sector?
I studied biomedical science at The University of Sussex, but upon graduating I wanted a bit of a change from looking at bacteria under a microscope in a lab.
So I applied to work at MetLife as it incorporates two of my favourite things – health and talking to people. I was looking through job ad after job ad.
Then a recruiter called me, and we spoke about what I wanted from a role. They sent me this role and I thought it looked right for me.
At the time MetLife were running a graduate recruitment scheme and after a full day’s group interview I got the job.
I have a very strong faith and I also believe that God’s will shall always see me in the right place.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
The most enjoyable thing is speaking with advisers and having casual conversations with them. Building strong relationships and then seeing them flourish in the industry is really enjoyable for me.
I know that MetLife’s products are innovative and unique and fit core customer gaps in today’s market.
It’s great to help advisers build their business by helping them complement their existing portfolio with different protection products.
Who is your role model – in life or in work?
My role models are my friends.
They and my faith always encourage me to keep going no matter what – and follow through in everything I do.
What advice would you give to people thinking about a career in the sector?
I would say they should go for it. It’s true that the insurance and protection market may not be on everyone’s radar, but it’s a great sector to work in – especially for graduates who may not want to go into their field.
It’s a very buoyant industry and is seeing growth, yet at the same time it’s kind of close-knit and intimate – a bit like a family.
I honestly believe that anyone who wants a career in sales must come with a resilient mindset and an inner drive to succeed and do well.
What has been your biggest setback and how did you overcome it?
My biggest setback has been doubting myself. I doubted my abilities and my strengths, but I overcame all my doubts through reading books on adjusting your mindset, and never giving up when times get tough.
I am also lucky to have a great team around me at work and support network out of work.
Did a client or case make you laugh or cry?
Yes. Clients make me laugh all the time with their life experiences and stories. I’m practically always smiling on the phone.
What’s your ultimate goal for your career?
My goal is to push towards success in any place I end up in. I always choose to do things to my best ability and give it my all.
How would your boss describe you?
I believe my boss would describe me as self-driven and hard-working. And this is how I want to be known.
I would describe myself as energetic, talkative and inquisitive – and I think these attributes definitely help me in this sector.
What’s your biggest talent away from work?
I love to sing. I sing in a choir – but I also sing anywhere and everywhere. I even sing at my desk. I’m not sure if it’s a talent, but my teammates haven’t complained yet, thankfully.
What mantra do you live by?
I can do all this through my God who gives me strength. And always be the best I can be.