Pursuing his dream to live abroad, Ulugbek Djuraev completed his higher studies in the UK before moving to Dubai to work in finance. Little did he know, connecting with Allianz Trade Middle East would lead him to forge a career in trade insurance in both the UAE and France. Now, as Group Credit Claims and Collections Business Analyst in Paris, Ulugbek shares his dynamic mobility journey.
What led you to a career at Allianz Trade?
International experience has been formative for me from a young age, when I began attending an international boarding school at home in Uzbekistan. Inspired by my teachers from Turkey and Canada, I decided to improve my language skills in London before earning my Master of Science in Finance at Lancaster University in England. Then, because of its bustling economy and proximity to my home country of Uzbekistan, I chose to begin my professional life in Dubai.
There, I was among ten recent graduates recruited by Allianz Trade Middle East for a pilot project.This project aimed to educate us on trade credit insurance, a budding market in the UAE, and ultimately generate prospects for the new business. Although I had been offered a job in finance elsewhere, Allianz Trade appealed to me because of its international scale and reputation as number one in trade insurance. Looking back, I absolutely made the right decision – I’ve since been able to rigorously develop my expertise alongside wonderful, supportive colleagues.
How has mobility been important for your career development?
Mobility has allowed me to experience the trade credit insurance market from several different perspectives. In the modern, fast-paced landscape of Dubai, I learned a lot from direct interface with clients. This is a major asset in regards to my current role as Group Credit Claims and Collections Business Analyst. As a client, your experience of buying insurance depends on how your claims are handled. In a small yet very competitive market like the UAE, you’re able to get a deep sense of client needs and really put yourself in their shoes.
In Paris, I’m now working in a group setting and have more of a birds’ eye view of the market. In addition to iconic architecture and art, this city possesses a great deal of maturity in terms of business. There’s a lot to be learned from the depth of expertise present here.
What has motivated you to continue working abroad?
You could say my career has taken a nontraditional trajectory, as I’ve built upon my skills in a range of departments: sales, commercial underwriting, and now claims and collections. I’ve always remained open to new experiences and opportunities, and this mindset has carried over to my approach to mobility. Therefore, while my position in Paris was initially a temporary six-month placement, when given the choice to stay indefinitely I was eager to take that plunge.
Like me, my family was interested in experiencing a new culture in Europe, and Allianz Trade made the move as smooth as possible by providing a strong support system. It’s been really nice to watch my daughters learn French and make friends at the school they attend.
Do you have any advice for people considering mobility as a factor in their career decisions?
I once heard this advice from a regional colleague: if you want to grow within your career and improve your skills, you have to consider mobility. Though this conversation happened seven years ago, his words still ring true to me. Mobility is a great opportunity to explore cultures, learn new languages and expand your capabilities. There are risks involved, but in every challenging situation there’s something to learn that helps shape ourselves in personal and professional ways.
Got questions? Connect with Ulugbek
Ulugbek Djuraev
Group Credit Claims and Collections Business Analyst
Allianz Trade in France
