At Alchemy, we believe in doing things differently. Our approach to developing insurance technology solutions is mirrored in how we nurture talent. As we look back on the journey of our Graduate Cohort 2, we're proud to share their experiences and achievements.
Alchemy's in-house graduate program is designed to transform potential into expertise. It's not just about technical skills - we're building well-rounded professionals ready to tackle the evolving challenges of the insurance industry. Beginning with the Chartered Insurance Institute training, equipping our graduates with essential insurance industry knowledge. Then progressing to earning globally recognised Guidewire certifications, building their technical expertise. Alongside these, we emphasise soft skills development, crucial for effective collaboration and communication. Our people gain hands-on experience in Alchemy’s R&D function ‘Bootcamp’ a stimulated project environment, followed by shadow roles where they learn from experienced team members. This carefully structured approach prepares them for a gradual transition onto client projects, ensuring they're well-equipped to contribute effectively from day one.
Sean McKinney reflects on his journey: "My first few months at Alchemy were transformative. We built relationships, earned certifications, and developed crucial communication skills. A year on, I can see how much my technical abilities and work approach have evolved."
Our graduates learn not just from formal training, but from each other and the wider Alchemy team. Aoibheann shares: "The people at Alchemy make it special. From our trainers and support team to project colleagues and fellow graduates - everyone has contributed to making this journey incredible."
This collaborative spirit is at the heart of how we work at Alchemy, extending beyond our graduate program to how we approach client projects. By fostering an environment where ideas are freely shared and diverse perspectives are valued, we ensure that fresh insights and innovative solutions are brought to every challenge we face. All members of Alchemy’s Graduate Cohort 2 quickly become an integral part of this collaborative approach, demonstrating remarkable adaptability as they transition from training to real-world projects. They bring their newly acquired skills and fresh perspectives to the table, contributing to our innovative solutions for clients. Connor explains: "Starting out, the new tools and insurance-specific software were challenging. But with comprehensive training and support from fellow graduates and the Alchemy team, we learned quickly. It's impressive how much you can achieve in a supportive environment."
Within their first year, our graduates have already contributed significantly to various projects and made their mark at Alchemy:
- Sean led an internal migration project
- Rhiona made valuable contributions to a client upgrade initiative
- James tackled complex reallocation challenges
- Conor blended technical and consultancy skills in a support team role
- Aoibheann showed remarkable growth and contributions on a client project
Aoibheann's reflects on her experience built through project work "When I compare my abilities now to when I started in January, I am very proud of my growth. I can't say enough for the senior developers on this project for their patience and support." These experiences showcase not just technical growth, but the ability to adapt to different roles and responsibilities - skills that directly benefit our clients and enrich our graduates' careers.
As our graduates set new goals and expand their skills in areas like DevOps and Business Analysis, we look forward to their future. Their journey reflects the diverse opportunities in Insurance Technology and our commitment to fostering the talent to meet it. James Shiels notes: "I've realised being a developer isn't just about coding. It's about being able to analyse, present, and demonstrate technical strength. Alchemy has opened my eyes to what it means to be a well-rounded professional in this industry."