Aim high
Not sure where your career will take you? The sky’s the limit in insurance.
Insurance might not be at the top of everyone’s dream jobs list. But if you want to flex your creativity, curiosity and people skills, this could be the industry for you.
So what does a career in insurance look like? We asked Emeraude Riziki, one of the grads from our Early Careers programme, to tell us a bit about hers...
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I’d never even considered insurance—but now I'm building a career I love.
As a student, Emeraude had no idea that insurance could be a career option. But today she’s building a career in Howden’s Aviation team.
Her journey into the industry started in sixth form, when she went to an assembly organised by The Brokerage – a charity that connects young people with opportunities in finance and insurance. They put her in touch with a mentor working in insurance, which led to a life-changing conversation.
“I knew nothing about insurance and probably never would have without that opportunity. But it really sparked my interest,” she explains. “Insurance is so diverse, and there are so many opportunities—but a lot of people don’t even consider it when planning their career.”
A job like no other
As a Junior Account Executive, no two days are alike for Emeraude. Her role means she’s responsible for all the client-facing aspects of insurance — handling client enquiries, preparing quotes, and working alongside brokers. “There’s a lot to learn, like all the technical aspects of aviation and the different systems and processes. But the culture was very collaborative and welcoming from day one.”
She’s also had some unique experiences, like attending Howden’s Aviation Academy. “We spent two days at an airport learning about engines, blades, and internal combustion—things I never expected to be discussing in my job!”
So while the role can be technical, no-one expects you to be an expert before you start. “To get on well in insurance, I would say that cultural fit is paramount. I think the three main things you need are confidence, an eagerness to learn, and creative thinking. Everything else, you can learn.”
Big opportunities, no matter your background
At Howden, we’re opening doors for future talent. We work with organisations like The Brokerage, ReachOut, ThinkForward, SEO London, and The King’s Trust to make insurance more accessible for young people from all backgrounds. “We’re passionate about boosting social mobility and raising awareness of the industry,” says Tsjanneke Hawkins-van der Cingel, Global Community Impact Manager at Howden.
Find your perfect fit
Through Howden’s Early Careers programme, grads like Emeraude get real responsibility and support from day one. So, if you’re open-minded and ready for something different, insurance could take you places you never expected.
