At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to learn about surety insurance and work directly with clients.
- Company: Howden, a global insurance group with a strong employee ownership culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, professional training, and health discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for volunteering and career progression.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in insurance with hands-on experience and mentorship.
- Qualifications: Recent Law or Finance graduates with a passion for learning and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Who are we? 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.
Location: London
Start date: September 2026
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000
Closing date: Friday 5th June
Working structure: 4 days in office
Howden CAP and our Surety Team: Howden CAP (Capital, Advisory and Placement) advises banks, large corporate firms and investment funds on how insurance can facilitate transactions such as investments, loans and acquisitions. Within CAP is our Surety Team who provide access to bespoke surety bonding for international and complex risks, acting as the link between clients and insurers. Surety insurance helps protect clients if a business fails to meet its contractual obligations, such as completing a project or paying what it owes. A surety bond is a promise backed by an insurer and if the business fails to deliver, the insurer steps in to protect the client.
The Graduate Programme: You will join a collaborative and ambitious team where our clients are at the centre of everything we do. We are looking for curious Law and Finance graduates who are keen to start their careers in insurance. This programme is designed to give you early exposure to real client work, supported by structured training and hands-on learning from experienced professionals.
What you’ll be doing:
- Learn about our surety products and the end-to-end process for placing surety bonds.
- Work directly with clients, insurers and underwriters to structure and place surety bonds.
- Review legal contracts and financial records to identify any risks that may make the surety bond too risky for an insurer.
- Support with reviewing client documentation and preparing materials for upcoming meetings.
- Assist with taking meeting notes to ensure that client files are accurate and up to date.
- Gain early exposure to client and insurer meetings, learning how our clients are advised and how deals are negotiated.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external contacts.
What are we looking for?
- No experience or technical knowledge is required - we’ll teach you everything you need to know!
- Soon-to-be or recent Law and Finance graduates who have a strong interest in commercial, legal, and financial matters.
- A keen eye for detail and strong analytical skills.
- Individuals with strong interpersonal skills who thrive on connecting and building relationships with others.
- Ability to influence and negotiate in professional settings.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, and comfortable speaking on the phone with senior individuals.
- Resilient and hard-working graduates who are curious to learn and develop.
- You must have full unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Why apply?
- Opportunity to complete fully funded professional and technical training relevant for your role and career pathway.
- Access to discounted personal health policies as well as a range of insurance products.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and an extra day off for Christmas.
- Competitive salary and generous pension scheme.
- Excellent training and development schemes and accelerated career progression.
- Cycle to work loan scheme and discount on gym memberships.
- 2 days allocated to take part in volunteering schemes.
Application process: Our application process is designed to help you show your potential, not to test what you already know!
- 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: These games 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 day at one of our offices close to you. 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!
At Howden, we are committed to developing and maintaining a culture of equality and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
What do we offer in return? A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:
- Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new.
- We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges.
- We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond.
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.
Permanent
Surety Insurance Graduate Programme in London employer: Howden
Howden is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee ownership and a collaborative culture, making it a standout choice for graduates eager to launch their careers in insurance. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from fully funded training, generous leave policies, and a supportive work environment that encourages work-life balance and community engagement. Located in London, the Surety Insurance Graduate Programme offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while being part of a diverse team dedicated to driving positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Surety Insurance Graduate Programme in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Howden and our Surety Team inside out! Research our values, culture, and the specifics of the Surety Insurance Graduate Programme. This will help you connect your experiences and aspirations with what we’re all about during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Use mock interviews to get comfortable with common questions and scenarios you might face. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts clearly when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider tips and even a foot in the door when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 4
Be yourself during the pre-recorded video interview! We want to see the real you, so let your personality shine through. Share your passion for law and finance, and don’t forget to show how you align with our no-limits mindset!
We think you need these skills to ace Surety Insurance Graduate Programme in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out the application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for law and finance.
Keep It Clear and Concise:Make sure your answers are straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and keep your language simple while still sounding professional.
Show Your Curiosity:We love candidates who are eager to learn! Use your application to highlight any experiences or interests that demonstrate your curiosity about the insurance industry and how it works.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re in the running for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding surety insurance and Howden's role in the industry. Familiarise yourself with their products and services, especially how they help clients manage risks. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Curiosity
Since Howden values curiosity, prepare questions that reflect your eagerness to learn. Ask about the training opportunities available or how the Surety Team collaborates with clients. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills
Given the emphasis on building relationships, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others. Whether it's a group project at university or a part-time job, illustrate your ability to connect and communicate effectively with diverse individuals.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Utilise the pre-recorded video interview to your advantage. Practice answering common interview questions in front of a camera to get comfortable. Focus on clear communication and showcasing your personality, as this is your chance to make a memorable impression before the assessment centre.
