Thomas Waldburger's career at Helvetia started early. He'd already completed his commercial training at Helvetia, but at the time Thomas had no idea what his professional future would look like. "If I'm completely honest, I only realized during my training how exciting an insurance company actually is. The subject matter sounds very dry at first. But you have to deal with so many different people, companies, issues and sectors. So I quickly realized that insurance was my thing." After his training, Thomas worked as a property insurance underwriter in national and international business for over nine years. "I even got the opportunity to spend two years in London on behalf of Helvetia", he recalls – "that was an incredibly instructive time for me." Nevertheless, he was keen to broaden his horizons – so he gained experience working for two brokers. He returned to Helvetia as Team Leader, Product Management Property Insurance in March 2020, taking over as Head of Property Insurance in October 2021.

"At Helvetia I have the opportunity to make a difference."

For Thomas, this was the chance to take on even more responsibility: "I've been Head of Property Insurance for just under six months now, and I don't regret the decision at all." Taking on a management position was never his top priority at the beginning: "I wanted to take the pressure off myself, and I saw my return to Helvetia more as an opportunity to drive exciting topics forward with the team", Thomas tells us. But for him, he says, this job is just right: "My area of responsibility is very varied, and I enjoy the role." The fact that Helvetia is very close to his heart as an employer is immediately obvious. "We cultivate a very appreciative culture in which all employees are encouraged and everyone can contribute something to our success. Also I've always had people by my side who have supported me in my professional and personal development. I'm very grateful for that."

"Learners should be brave and seize opportunities."

Even as Head of Property Insurance there are constant hurdles and challenges to overcome, Thomas says. "But I'm still in a learning process." He can therefore only advise current trainees to question things critically, to appreciate what they have and to remain open to the new. "I also know how important it is never to give up, even if something doesn't go according to plan. Young professionals should have the courage to seize opportunities. I think that was also my recipe for success."