The Hartford

Al Ferreira

Florian Schäfer

Manager, Technology Leadership Development Program

Florian Schäfer’s first foray into financial services began as a student at Boston University, when he started investing (modestly) out of his dorm room. Now he is a manager for The Hartford’s Technology Leadership Development Program, where his enthusiasm for mentoring and coaching is channeled toward helping his teammates reach their highest potential.

What appealed to you about The Hartford?
The Hartford stood out as an ideal place to start my career with great people and a culture that fit my values. The Hartford’s Leadership Development Programs provide an opportunity to see multiple businesses and see where one fits best. Seeing the history on the walls—specifically, Abe Lincoln’s insurance policy—gave me a sense of pride.

What is the corporate culture like at The Hartford?
There’s a huge emphasis on mentorship and collaboration. In my group, when you first come on board, you’re matched with a peer mentor who is also relatively new to The Hartford. After a year, you’re matched with a more experienced mentor who can give advice on day-to-day issues, but also big-picture career development. Collaboration occurs through team projects and team-building activities, ranging from community service to paintballing and go-karting. Another great opportunity is the Reverse Mentor Program that connects high-potential, tech-savvy millennials with executives to mentor them on emerging technologies and social media. Real relationships are built at The Hartford—that’s why I love it here.

Can you discuss a few of your keys to success?
Relationship building and enthusiasm helped me the most. Taking the time to get to know people and maintaining your network is key. Enthusiasm becomes a habit and is contagious—spread the love! Volunteerism is big – and by that I mean service to nonprofits, but also showing enthusiam for the more tedious assignments at work that make a huge difference. Make sure you give back.

Are there any misconceptions about your company?
The stuffiness of the financial services culture. At The Hartford, we do business conservatively, but walking through the halls you witness business-casual dress and a creative, innovative team that challenges the status quo. We've been around for 200 years, but during that time we constantly adjusted to new trends, challenges, and opportunities.

What would you want current students to know about working at The Hartford?
The Hartford is a great place to start a career, not just a "job." It affords recent grads with tremendous opportunities to impact the success of the organization. You are expected to make an impact here, and you will.

What kinds of competencies or educational backgrounds are currently in demand?
Process improvement, simplification, and technology stabilization. We look for self-motivated leaders of all backgrounds who are forward thinkers, inspire excellence, and work as team to support the changes in a variety of roles, including project management, process management, business analysis, development, database management, and technical analysis.

What is the biggest challenge you face in your job?
No challenges, only opportunities! In my role, it’s getting people to go outside of their comfort zones. It goes against human nature, but by doing something simple—like saying hello in the hall—you can effect great changes.