Career Switch: Meet Dionne

Hi, I’m Dionne and I’m a Claims Relationship Manager at AXA Commercial. I’ve been with AXA for 10 years.

What was your career background up until you switched careers?
I started my career at AXA in 2014 as a Liability Injury Claims Handler with no previous experience in insurance. I spent eight years in this role, and I developed a range of specialised skills and a solid foundation in claims handling.

Then I felt it was time to try something new. In 2022, I applied for a secondment as a Risk Coordinator in the Commercial Front Line Risk Team. This enhanced my ability to identify and mitigate risks, refined my strategic thinking, and improved my regulatory knowledge. These combined experiences led me into my current role where I can use all my expertise. 

How did you go about switching roles?

• I took time to think about what I wanted: I started off by identifying which aspects of my current role I enjoyed and what I felt was missing. I also considered my long-term career goals and how a new role might align better with them. 
• I learned as much as I could about roles that interest me: When the opportunity came up for a role as a Claims Relationship Manager, I made sure I fully understood the responsibilities and spoke with colleagues currently in that role as well the National Regional Claims Manager prior to applying. 
• I took advantage of all the support around me: I reached out to my mentor to help me prepare for my interview. They provided invaluable insights and helped me understand the key skills and experiences I needed to highlight. Their guidance and support was instrumental in helping me feel prepared and confident during the interview. 

This allowed me to make the move confidently, using all the skills I’d gained and embracing new challenges. 

What does it mean to you to work for a company that gives you the flexibility to shape your career?
Being able to shape my career has been incredibly empowering. It has allowed me to explore different areas of interest, take on new challenges and grow in ways that align with my personal and professional goals. This level of trust and autonomy not only increases my job satisfaction but also motivates me to contribute more creatively and effectively. I know that my career path is in my hands and that AXA is there to back me up every step of the way.  

Throughout my career at AXA, I’ve been fortunate to receive strong support from both colleagues and managers when it comes to my career goals and aspirations.

Now that you’re in your role, what are you most excited about for the future?
What excites me most about the future is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact whilst continuing to learn and grow. I’m eager to contribute to the team and bring fresh ideas, all whilst expanding my skill set in a dynamic and supportive environment. The potential for collaboration, innovation and personal development in this role is incredibly motivating.  

What advice would you give to others thinking about switching roles?
Take the time to assess what truly motivates and excites you. Understand your strengths and how they align with your career goals, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Switching roles can be a great opportunity for growth, so be open to learning new skills and embracing challenges. Talk to people in the roles you are interested in. Change can be daunting, but I have found significant personal and professional growth.

If you’d like to join a company focused on helping you to grow your potential, keep an eye on our latest vacancies to find a role that’s right for you. Or follow us on LinkedIn to find out more about life at AXA.