At a Glance
- Tasks: Apply innovative data science techniques to solve real-world business challenges.
- Company: Join Hastings Group, a forward-thinking employer committed to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £36,000, flexible working, and a competitive bonus scheme.
- Other info: Enjoy 25 days annual leave and access to mental health support.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in data science while making a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Degree in any discipline, strong maths skills, and coding experience in Python or R.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: Leicester
Programme overview: The Pricing, Data and Analytics Graduate Programme offers three pathways: Data Science, Engineering and Actuarial. The Data Science pathway focuses on applying innovative data‑science techniques to solve real‑world business challenges, delivering commercial value, working with large data sets, automation, machine learning and software design. Over two years you will complete placements in Underwriting and Retail Pricing, gaining knowledge and technical skills across the departments, preparing you for an analytics role at the end of the programme.
Placements:
- Underwriting – Actuarial & Data Science
- Retail Pricing
- Market Pricing
Requirements:
- Degree in any discipline, pending in 2026 or achieved within the last 2 years
- Strong mathematical capabilities, including probability and statistics
- Ability to code using Python or R
- Keen interest in Machine Learning
- Self‑aware, clear on strengths and development areas, inquisitive nature
- Open to continuous development
- Excellent communication skills; experience presenting results to others
- Excellent logic and problem‑solving skills
Visa sponsorship is not offered; you must have the right to work in the UK for the full two‑year duration.
Application Timeline:
- 15 Dec 2026 – Applications open (psychometric test via Harver)
- 25 Jan 2026 – Applications close
- 6 – 22 Feb 2026 – If successful, additional assessment via Coderbyte
- 5 Mar 2026 – Invite to Assessment Centre
- 19 – 26 Mar 2026 – In‑person Assessment Centres in Leicester and Bexhill
Reward & Benefits:
- Starting salary £36,000, with increase after year one
- Flexible working – hybrid approach, discuss with recruiter
- Competitive bonus scheme (subject to performance)
- Healthcare cash plan and private medical insurance
- Pension matched up to 10%
- Free mortgage advice
- Access to Thrive mental‑health app
- Colleague assistance programme
- 25 days annual leave and social events throughout the year
Equality & Diversity: Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer. We treat people fairly and welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of gender, age, race, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. We have a thorough referencing process, including credit and criminal record checks.
Data Science Graduate in England employer: Hastings Direct
Hastings Direct is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly within our Telematics Data Value team. We offer competitive benefits, continuous professional development opportunities, and a commitment to employee growth, all while being located in a vibrant area that encourages creativity and teamwork. Join us to make a meaningful impact on pricing strategies and customer outcomes in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Science Graduate in England
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like Hastings Direct!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Data Science Graduate at Hastings Direct.
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like Hastings Direct.
✨Apply Directly through Our Website
When you find a suitable opening like Data Science Graduate at Hastings Direct, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Science Graduate in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at Hastings Direct, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at Hastings Direct. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Direct
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at Hastings Direct!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
