At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to analyse global risks and support international trade and finance.
- Company: Howden, a global insurance group with a unique employee-owned culture.
- Benefits: £40,000 salary, hybrid work, 25 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Engaging application process with no CV required; just show us your potential!
- Why this job: Make an impact in global finance while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates or final-year students from any degree background welcome.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 24,000 employees spanning over 56 countries. People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.
Specialty Credit & Political Risk Graduate Programme
Location: London
Start date: September 2027
Salary: £40,000
Working structure: Hybrid
Help Shape Global Trade, Finance and Investment
Looking for a graduate role where you'll combine analytical thinking, commercial awareness and relationship-building whilst being at the centre of geopolitical events? Join Howden's Credit & Political Risk team and learn how we help organisations navigate the risks that come with lending, trading and investing around the world. From supporting major infrastructure projects to protecting international trade transactions, we work with financial institutions, corporates, funds and public entities across a wide range of industries. As part of our global team, you'll gain exposure to complex risks, innovative solutions and some of the most interesting transactions in the market. This is a fast-paced, international environment where you'll develop both technical knowledge and commercial skills while learning how transactions are negotiated, structured and executed. This is a permanent role supported by a structured development programme, designed to accelerate your technical expertise, professional confidence and long-term career growth.
What you’ll be doing?
- Learn how Credit & Political Risk Insurance supports businesses, financial institutions and investors operating around the world.
- Support the placement of insurance solutions that help clients manage financial and political risks.
- Research countries, industries, companies and market trends to support client activity and business development.
- Assist in preparing client presentations, reports and insurance submissions.
- Build relationships with clients, insurers and internal teams across the business.
Who are we looking for?
- No insurance experience is needed; we’ll teach you everything you need to know!
- A recent graduate, or in your final year of university study from any degree background.
- Interested in global markets, international business and current affairs, with a curiosity about how organisations manage financial and political risks.
- A strong communicator who enjoys building relationships with a range of people.
- Analytical and naturally curious, and willing to ask questions.
- Comfortable working with numbers and data to support decision-making and problem-solving.
- Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Resilient and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly.
- Someone who takes ownership, shows initiative and enjoys learning new concepts and industries.
- A collaborative team player who enjoys working across various teams.
To be eligible for our programme, you must have the full and unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Application process
- Online application form – no CV required: We believe you're more than just a document, so we won’t ask you to submit a CV. Please upload a blank document on the application form.
- Online gamified assessment: We’ve created games that will help us understand your natural strengths and how you approach different situations. There are no right or wrong answers. You can complete this stage on your phone or laptop, whichever suits you best!
- Pre-recorded video interview: You will record your answers to a few questions using your phone or laptop, giving you the chance to tell us more about yourself in your own time in a relaxed setting.
- Assessment centre: Our final stage is an in-person assessment centre at one of our offices. You'll take part in some fun group activities and meet our team in a relaxed setting. This day is all about getting to know you better and for you to see what it's like to be part of Howden and experience our culture. We'll cover all your travel costs for this day, because where you are now shouldn’t hold back your future!
Why should you apply?
At Howden, people are at the heart of everything we do. As an employee-owned business, we believe success is built through collaboration, learning and supporting one another. You'll join a permanent role from day one and take part in our structured 18-month development programme, designed to accelerate your technical, commercial and professional growth.
You’ll also benefit from:
- A starting salary of £40,000 and a generous pension scheme.
- Opportunity to complete fully funded professional qualifications, such as the CII or CFA, to support your long-term career development.
- Structured learning and development through our 18-month graduate development programme.
- 25 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays and an additional day off at Christmas.
- Access to discounted personal health policies, wellbeing support and a range of employee benefits and insurance products.
- 2 days allocated to take part in volunteering schemes.
Ready to apply?
Follow our TikTok pages: @earlycareersjo and @millieinsurancecareers, and explore our Connectr hub to discover more about Howden, our culture, and the insurance industry. You'll find resources to help you prepare for our recruitment process and understand which career path could be the best fit for you.
Reasonable adjustments
We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours or hybrid working. If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.
Credit & Political Risk Graduate Programme 2027 employer: Endsleigh
Howden is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and entrepreneurial culture, where employee ownership is at the core of our operations. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, career progression, and work-life balance, we empower our team members to drive innovation and operational excellence in the reinsurance sector. Joining Howden means being part of a supportive community that values diversity and encourages personal growth, all while making a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Credit & Political Risk Graduate Programme 2027
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Endsleigh. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Endsleigh.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Endsleigh. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Credit & Political Risk Graduate Programme 2027
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Endsleigh and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Endsleigh how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Endsleigh
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Endsleigh.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Endsleigh's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
