Zurich offers college graduates life-changing opportunities to launch careers at home and abroad

College and university graduates may face a lean job market this May but Zurich, a leading property and casualty insurance provider globally and in North America, is offering qualified grads the unparalleled opportunity to jumpstart their careers in the U.S.-or abroad-through Zurich's Associate programs.

Zurich employs more than 60,000 people in more than 170 countries around the globe and gives Associate Program participants the opportunity to spend 10 to 11 months learning the inner workings of a global insurance company. Their time is split between participating in classroom-style sessions, working for 22 weeks in their chosen hiring function and rotating through Zurich's other service areas, which include but are not limited to claims, underwriting, and risk engineering.

Depending on their qualifications, graduates may qualify for either of two Associate programs: the Global Associate Program and the Associate Program in North America.

"Zurich's Associate programs identify talented graduates and immerse them in Zurich's business and the insurance industry," said Mike Foley, CEO of Zurich North America Commercial. "From day one, Associates are able to roll up their sleeves and get to work. This program provides hands-on, on-the-job experience."

Zurich Associates "are full-time, salaried employees," said Michael Kerner, CEO of Zurich Global Corporate in North America. "Associates take part in unique learning, mentoring, and networking experiences that will help foster an understanding of our business. Upon successful completion of their program, they will be offered a full-time position within Zurich."

For qualified graduates eager to gain international business experience, the Global Associate Program (GAP) provides opportunities across the Zurich and Farmers (a Zurich subsidiary) businesses. This 11-month program kicks off at Zurich's headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. Global Associates meet with top-level executives, get exposed to Zurich's global strategies and receive in-depth training on the financial aspects of an insurer's operations. Global Associates experience 10 weeks of an international rotation. Each Associate receives a mentor, makes international contacts, and is expected to be internationally mobile to meet the needs of the business.

"At Zurich, many of our employees are actively working alongside international counterparts," said Kerner. "Associates in the Global Associate Program really begin to understand the importance of doing business in a global marketplace."

Brittain Bandura is currently participating in the GAP. "While I came to Zurich with a litigation background, I am continuing to develop my expertise in my hiring function of Claims by completing rotations in several areas that are all central to the success of the business," she said. Having just completed her rotation with Zurich's Corporate Communications team in New York, Bandura is preparing to leave for the company's Zurich, Switzerland headquarters, where she will spend three months working in personal injury care management.

"As a Global Associate, I've had the opportunity to receive training from top executives within the insurance industry, around the world," she said. "That's the sort of hands-on education that money just can't buy."

The Global Associate Program is for any professional who has achieved success in his or her chosen field and shows the potential and commitment to ensuring Zurich's future success.

GAP applicants must possess a J.D. or master's degree. For more information on the GAP, the application process and deadlines, go to http://www.zurichna.com and click the "Careers" tab from the upper navigation bar.

The second program, the Associate Program in North America, kicks off at Zurich's North American headquarters in Schaumburg, Ill., approximately 30 miles northwest of Chicago.

Anna Ekelman, marketing specialist with Zurich North America Commercial, successfully completed her 11-month Associate Program in April 2008 and began her full-time career at Zurich in May 2008. "Associates are given an opportunity to learn a great deal about the industry and meet many people along the way," she said. "I have been able to take everything I learned during the Associate Program and apply it to my current role in Marketing. I am glad to be part of a company that believes in developing talent and recognizes opportunities where individuals can succeed and build careers."