Business Development Intern 2027

Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we push the boundaries of insurance, united by a shared passion and a no-limits mindset. With around 24,000 employees across 56 countries, we collaborate as one powerful international team.

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.

Business Development Summer Internship (Specialty Business Development)

Location: London
Start date: June 2027
Salary: £32,500 pro-rata for 10 weeks
Duration: 10-week programme
Employment type: Intern (Paid), Fixed Term, Trainee

Please read before submitting

You may only apply to one summer internship programme for our 2027 intake. Submitting duplicate applications will result in additional applications not being considered.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll begin with a structured induction before joining either our Financial Institutions or Sport & Entertainment team to work alongside experienced colleagues on live projects and deals.

During the programme, you’ll:

• Research potential clients across sectors related to the team you join, learning about their business, priorities, and potential needs.
• Build an understanding of how businesses operate and where you can spot opportunities for Howden.
• Collaborate with colleagues to understand what opportunities could be the right fit for Howden.
• Analyse new business opportunities by reviewing companies, spotting trends, and uncovering potential client needs.
• Support with preparing compelling sales materials, including client presentation and proposal documents.
• Play a key role in outreach to prospective clients via phone and email.

The 10-week programme is designed to give you meaningful exposure to the world of insurance and business development, while helping you develop the knowledge, professional skills, and confidence to kick start your career.

The programme also offers a direct pathway into our Autumn 2028 graduate roles, subject to business needs and individual performance.

Sport & Entertainment or Financial Institutions

• In Sport & Entertainment, you’ll work directly with Premier League football stadiums, sports clubs, and concert venues.
• In Financial Institutions, you’ll gain exposure to banks, asset managers, and other financial organisations.

Who are we looking for?

No insurance experience is needed; we’ll teach you everything you need to know.

You’ll be:

• In your penultimate year of study from any degree background.
• A confident communicator who enjoys building relationships with a wide range of people.
• Enthusiastic and motivated to achieve your set goals despite setbacks.
• Efficient and organised, and willing to adapt to different tasks and opportunities.
• Proactive and willing to get involved in a range of projects and take them in your stride.
• Collaborative and able to thrive when working in team environments.

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 you won’t need to submit a CV. Please upload a blank document on the application form.
• Online gamified assessment: Games that 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.
• Pre-recorded video interview: 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: An in-person assessment centre at one of our offices. You’ll take part in group activities and meet our team in a relaxed setting. This day is about getting to know you better and understanding what it’s like to be part of Howden and experience our culture. We’ll cover all your travel costs for this day.

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 gain exposure to an exciting global industry, receive structured development throughout the summer, and build relationships that could shape your future career.

You’ll also benefit from:

• £32,500 pro-rata over the 10 weeks.
• Opportunity to receive a deferred graduate offer for Autumn 2028.
• Excellent training and development schemes and accelerated career progression.
• Access to a buddy to support you throughout your internship.
• 6 days of leave, fully paid, plus bank holidays.
• Access to discounted personal health policies as well as a range of insurance products.

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, apply—if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping you set up 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.