Case studies: Business continuity specialist: Jamie

Jamie was interested in studying risk management so, after two years on an HND programme in audio and media technology, he decided to transfer onto the second year of the BA in Risk Management offered by Glasgow Caledonian University...

Between the third and fourth years, the department offered the opportunity to apply for summer placements in a variety of risk management areas, and Jamie was successful in his application for a placement with AEGON UK.

The recruitment process involved an application, a telephone interview and a face-to-face interview, which included giving a presentation. During the recruitment process, Jamie learned that it's not just academic achievement that counts. His presentation and ability to build a rapport with the interview panel contributed to his success.

After successfully participating in the summer placement scheme, at the time of the G8 meeting and London bombings, AEGON UK offered Jamie the opportunity to work part time while he completed his final year.

On graduation, he was offered a position as a business continuity coordinator, which he accepted. Business continuity formed a core part of his risk management degree programme, so Jamie was well equipped to enter his first full-time position.

Since starting his job, Jamie has progressed to a business continuity specialist, which is now part of Risk and Control Management within AEGON UK. He works as an internal consultant, responsible for the business continuity of half of the functions of AEGON UK which, as a company, employs more than 4,000 staff.

Jamie's role involves some travel, so he isn't sitting at a desk all day. Jamie also has the chance to present at conferences, and enjoys liaising with the friendly network of people working in business continuity across other companies.

To develop his expertise and career, Jamie is now undertaking a terrorism studies course, offered by the University of St. Andrews by distance learning. This is being supported by AEGON UK. Jamie feels that this is one of the benefits of being part of such a sizeable company with good training and personal development opportunities.

Jamie is hoping to further develop his career by moving into a more general risk management role within AEGON UK and using some of the other areas he studied within his degree.