Insight Event Attendee Review

I took part in Howden’s four-day Spring Week programme, which provided a valuable introduction to the insurance industry and how different teams such as underwriting, broking, actuarial, and claims work together to manage risk and support clients.
Each day involved a mix of interactive workshops, case studies, and team-based simulations, where we analysed business scenarios and developed solutions under time pressure. This helped me build my commercial awareness and communication skills in a practical setting.
A key highlight was visiting Lloyd’s of London, where I had the opportunity to present an insurance proposal, in a team, to professional underwriters, as well as completing a stock pitch exercise.

Understanding the business at Howden and the range of roles available was one of the most valuable parts of the experience. To be very honest, before the programme, I had a limited view of the insurance industry, but through the different sessions that I was able to take part in, I began to see how many interconnected functions there are, from underwriting and broking to actuarial work and claims.
It was very interesting to see how each role contributes to the wider business and how decisions made in one area can directly impact others. The simulations and workshops helped bring this to life, showing the practical differences between roles while also highlighting the shared skills required, such as teamwork, and problem-solving.
Overall, it gave me a much clearer understanding of the breadth of opportunities within the business and helped me appreciate how diverse and varied career paths in insurance can be, especially in the uplifting professional environment that Howden has!

Absolutely! I developed several key skills during the programme, including commercial awareness, structured problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. I also improved my confidence in presenting ideas, particularly through delivering an insurance proposal to professional underwriters at Lloyd’s of London.

The company culture at Howden was extremely welcoming, collaborative, and positive, which really stood out throughout the programme. Everyone I interacted with seemed genuinely happy to be there and enthusiastic about their work, which created a very open and engaging atmosphere.
There was a strong sense of support and inclusivity, with professionals actively encouraging questions and sharing their experiences.

I really enjoyed the insight experience and found it genuinely engaging from start to finish! It was extremely well-structured and brought the insurance industry to life in a way I didn’t expect, especially through the interactive workshops, case studies, and simulations.

Yes

My main advice would be to apply and go in with an open mind and be willing to engage fully with every activity. The programme is very interactive, so the more you contribute in workshops, case studies, and group discussions, the more you will get out of it.
Be sure to ask lots of questions and show a genuine willingness to learn!