Why is working for an insurance company, such as The Hartford, a good career move?
Teresa: There is a stigma that insurance uses old, antiquated systems and programming languages. This is not true. There is a huge push for innovation at The Hartford and there is an emphasis on learning – not just learning whatever software your project uses, but other programs, too. The Hartford has a tech company feel and supports continuous learning by encouraging you to get certifications. I’ve worked with many different software development systems including Java, Angular, JavaScript, React and Cloud computing. I’ve learned more on the job than I ever learned in school.
Courtney: From the very beginning, I worked on innovative projects, like a cutting-edge API. I’ve worked on many new projects using frameworks like Spring and have created different types of microservices to help with application development. There are so many courses and exercises readily available through The Hartford’s internal resources that supplement what I’m learning and coding at work.
Brenda: Technology is a key component of working for an insurance company. The technology is always changing and The Hartford wants to make sure people are learning new skills. Programs I’ve learned at The Hartford include Java, SQL, Python and C#. I could probably fill a book with what I have learned here.
Vidya: There is a great opportunity to make an impact with your tech savviness in insurance. We are going through this transition [with technology] now, where there is a lot of investment in technology to drive business transformation. It's the best time to be here because you add value with your experience.
How do you feel supported by the company and your colleagues?
Vidya: I’ve been with other companies where I felt it was harder for a woman to make her voice heard. At The Hartford, I’ve always felt that they don’t see me as a woman leader; I’m seen as an IT leader. I haven’t experienced not being heard or not being included because of my gender here.
Courtney: I first heard about The Hartford at my college career fair. The woman I spoke with there is the reason I decided to apply. She acknowledged my concerns about tech being a male dominated field and assured me her experience at The Hartford has been great. Now, I feel like my opinion is valued. I feel like my effort and my work is seen for what it is.
Brenda: Everyone has input into what the group is doing and The Hartford gave me the time and space I needed to get up to speed with everyone else. At prior companies, I hadn’t been in an environment that was so encouraging, where everyone wants to make sure you succeed. I can’t put into words how that made me feel.
Teresa: There are lots of opportunities for mentorship and networking. We have two professional women’s organizations at The Hartford: Women in Technology, which is a group dedicated to supporting women in tech and data roles, and the Professional Women’s Network, which is a broader group and one of nine employee resource groups. There is a lot of informal support that happens through the culture. Women genuinely want to support other women and the support is organic, not forced. There is evidence of internal promotions and The Hartford is committed to fairness and equality.