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 Marine, Cargo & Logistics Insurance Graduate Programme
Please read before submitting: You may only apply to one graduate programme for our 2027 intake. Submitting duplicate applications will result in them not being considered.
Location: London
Start date: September 2027
Salary: £35,000
Working structure: Hybrid (4 days in office)
Marine, Cargo & Logistics Insurance Graduate Programme
Discover How Global Trade Keeps Moving
Looking for a graduate role where you’ll be at the centre of global events, international trade and complex risks that shape the world of marine insurance. Join Howden's Marine, Cargo & Logistics team and discover how global trade keeps moving safely. You'll learn how organisations manage and protect vessels, shipping operations and cargo & storage exposures against risks such as damage, theft, accidents and disruption and how tailored insurance solutions respond when the unexpected happens.
From day one, you’ll gain exposure to our global clients across North America, the UK & Ireland, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. You'll work alongside experienced specialised across multiple areas of marine, cargo and logistics insurance while building the knowledge, skills and relationships needed to kick start your career.
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?
You'll begin with a structured induction before joining the Marine, Cargo & Logistics team, where you'll work alongside experienced specialists on live client projects.
During the programme, you'll:
Support the processing of insurance risks and client information.
Learn how insurance transactions move from initial enquiry through to placement and servicing.
Gaining exposure to the London Insurance Market, including Lloyd's of London, and understand how business is placed within it.
Attend meetings with underwriters and brokers to develop your understanding of the wider insurance market.
Use internal systems and tools to maintain accurate records and information.
Prepare spreadsheets, documentation and reports to support insurance placement, broker and client servicing
Build relationships with clients, underwriters and the wider MCL team.
Develop your commercial awareness by exploring topics impacting global trade, shipping and logistics.
Who are we looking for?
No insurance experience is needed; we’ll teach you everything you need to know!
You'll be:
In your final year of university or a recent graduate from any degree discipline, on track for or having achieved a 2:2 or above.
Collaborative and enjoy building relationships with a range of people.
Comfortable working in fast paced environments and able to balance multiple responsibilities.
A confident communicator who is willing to share ideas.
Curious to ask questions and learn more about our industry.
Driven and enjoy problem solving.
To be eligible for our programme, you must have the full and unrestricted right to work in the UK.
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: 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:
£35,000 salary and a generous pension scheme.
Opportunity to complete fully funded professional and technical qualifications relevant for your role and career pathway such as CII.
Structured learning and development through our 18-month graduate programme.
25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and an additional day off at Christmas.
Access to discounted personal health policies, a competitive pension scheme, wellbeing benefits and a range of 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.
Please read before submitting: You may only apply to one graduate programme for our 2027 intake. Submitting duplicate applications will result in additional applications not being considered.
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
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.
*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.
Permanent
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