"Insurers are doing more than I initially thought"

Ivan Mikheev is studying Creative Technology at the University of Twente, has his own startup and participated in the Insurance Challenges at Achmea and Allianz this spring. "A challenge is a good tool to show students what it's like to work for an insurer." He shares his experience and view on our sector.

About Ivan

About two years ago, Ivan came to the Netherlands to study. He chose the Netherlands his family was enthusiastic about it. "I love your mentality and creativity. For example, because you guys just moved the sea."

By now he is well established, because he perhaps has more bicycles than the average Dutchman. Three sports bikes and an ordinary one. In addition to studying and cycling, he can often be found at NovelT in Enschede, where he works on his startup Glideview which provides augmented reality services for e-commerce.

Why did you sign up for the insurance challenges?

"I received a call from the project office that co-organizes the challenges. I have participated in sprint days through this agency before and received an invitation to an Insurance Challenge about cyber security. I liked that challenge at Achmea in Leiden so much that a month later I also participated in the challenge at Allianz in Rotterdam. In addition to my studies and startup, I really make time for this kind of things."

What was your perception of the insurance industry before you took part in the sprint days?

"Actually, I didn't really have an idea of insurances. Yes, I knew that people pay premiums. For example for a car, home or health insurance. And two years ago I had to arrange health insurance myself when I came to the Netherlands. But after those two challenges, I realized that insurers do a lot more than I initially thought. I am impressed by how insurers are already using data and AI to improve their products and services. I also got to talk to someone from the data science department of Allianz. He really inspired me, because he was so passionate about his work and the innovation projects he works on."

So you would also like to work in our sector?

"I've become a bit of a fan of your industry I have to say. But my bachelor's is still two years away, so I still have time to choose. Maybe I will try to find a job or maybe I chose a master. But I can also imagine that I can work for an insurer as a project, product or innovation manager, for example. My study is somewhere between industrial design and innovative design. I learn things like customer journey mapping, emotion mapping, business planning and programming. And actually, I also think it would be nice to work with insurers as a startup.”

You have enough ideas! Finally, would you recommend such a challenge to others?

"Yes. Because these kinds of events give students the opportunity to get in touch with people who work for insurers. And vice versa, of course. I think a challenge is a very good tool to show students what it's like to work for an insurer."

More about the Insurance Challenge
Are you curious about the ideas the students came up with during the challenge at Achmea? Watch the video below or read the Dutch article Studenten denken mee over hoe verzekeringsklant geen cyberslachtoffer wordt