Welcome Ivana, welcome Tim. You're both taking part in the Sales Excellence Program. What route brought you here?

Ivana: After my apprenticeship, I tried different jobs: I worked in sales and catering, and I even took to the skies for a while as a flight attendant. Then I started working in the Internal Service at Helvetia and quickly realized that I wanted to be even closer to our customers. The Sales Excellence Program gave me the opportunity to do that.

Tim:I did an apprenticeship too – as a carpenter. After my military service and during the coronavirus pandemic, I became increasingly interested in financial topics. The Sales Excellence Program was the perfect entry for me in field sales.

What is it that makes the program so special?

Ivana: I started the Sales Excellence Program when I was in the Internal Service, which is the back office, so I could get to know all the processes really well. But I soon started attending customer appointments. Sometimes my manager comes with me, but often I'm on my own. I love having the freedom to plan my tasks so I can work from home for an afternoon every now and then.

Tim: It's the same for me. After just a month and a half, I started going to customer appointments on my own. The experience has given me an incredible amount of confidence. I think it's especially cool that I'm essentially my own boss. I plan my day myself, which of course also means that I have to take responsibility for managing my time well.

What will you take away from the program? What skills have you developed?

Tim: I'm learning a lot about dealing with people. For example, who my target customers are and how I can reach them. It's important to understand each of your customers and advise them according to their individual needs. And that requires a lot of self-discipline. You won't get far without it.

Ivana: I definitely agree with that. I've become braver and more confident. Before the program, I never imagined that I would ever find it easy to approach people. Learning by doing really helps you to go beyond your limits.

What would you say to young talents who are interested in the Sales Excellence Program?

Tim: Go for it! Be brave, approach people, and be patient with yourselves. The program is a gentle introduction to working as a customer advisor. The important thing is to be open and not to hide yourself away.

Ivana: I totally agree with Tim. Helvetia gives us all-round support – from training to team events where you can build up a large network of contacts. I feel very much appreciated. So I would definitely recommend the program.

And what will the two of them do when the program finishes? Ivana will move to Underwriting at the head office in St. Gallen at the end of the year, and Tim plans to complete his VBV (Association for Professional Insurance Education) certification and to train as a financial advisor. Their experiences show that the Sales Excellence Program is just the beginning. At Helvetia there are many doors open to young talents – one of them could be exactly what you're looking for.