Incubating careers as well as MGAs

In his second work placement with Pro MGA Global Solutions, 17-year-old Ollie Dalzell gears up for a future in financial services. 

This time last year, a bright young man walked through the doors at Pro MGA Global Solutions shortly after completing his GCSEs, to undertake a week’s work experience.  

Undecided on which direction he’d like his fledgling career to go, he spent the week shadowing CEO, Danny Maleary.  

Fast forward one year, after a successful first 12 months studying for his A Levels, Ollie Dalzell was back in the building, with his sights firmly set on a career in financial services.  

“Last year was such a great experience for me, and it opened my eyes to what is out there,” said Ollie. “I spent that week shadowing Danny Maleary, attending the meetings he had scheduled, so I could see what a typical week looked like in this industry. But this year I came back knowing there were specific things I wanted to get out of the week, and it was a much more forensic look into this world.” 

Ollie plans to study Maths at University, opting for modules that’ll incorporate Economics too. With that in mind, Ollie spent much of his time working with Preeti Bansil, Head of Operations and People at Pro MGA Global Solutions, to understand how the business uses models to help operate efficiently. 

“We learn so much theory in the classroom, but when you sit in a workplace and see how models are used, it brings it all to life. You realise that the classroom only touches on the surface of reality. It was so helpful for me.” 

Moving forward, Ollie stresses the importance of gaining workplace experience to help provide direction.  

“For any soon-to-be school leaver out there, I can’t recommend work experience enough. Especially if you start out just shadowing someone, then going away and reflecting, to know if it piques your interest or not. If it does, you can go back and ask for a more specific experience so you can be absolutely clear if you’re going in the right direction or not. That’ll shape your decisions on Higher Education or whether you want to move straight into work.” 

For Ollie, the hard work is only just beginning. He now aims to start making connections across the industry, creating a LinkedIn account and letting his ambitions be known.  

We wish Ollie all the best for his final year of A Levels and watch on with interest.

Hear more from Ollie on his week at Pro MGA Global Solutions in the vlog linked above on Pro Global TV.