The Undergraduate of the Year Award Celebrating Social Mobility

Could you be the Undergraduate of the Year Celebrating Social Mobility?

We’re searching UK universities to find the Undergraduate of the Year Award for Celebrating Social Mobility! At Howden, we believe potential is more powerful than a specific degree. We’re looking for ambitious students from socially mobile backgrounds who are ready to make their mark, regardless of their academic or career journey so far.

We want to hear from people with entrepreneurial energy, a proactive mindset and strong people skills. Natural communicators who are determined, enjoy working with others and are passionate about making a positive impact. If you’re ready to show us your potential and take your next step, this could be your chance to stand out.

Enter if you are:

  • A current undergraduate student at a university in the UK
  • In your first year of study
  • Have a minimum of 128 UCAS points and on track for a minimum of a 2:1
  • From a socially mobile background, meeting at least two of the following criteria:
    • Attended a state school
    • Were eligible for free school meals
    • Are the first generation in your family to attend university
Prizes

What could you win?

An exclusive lunch with senior Howden executives, plus an immersive Insight Week at Howden HQ!

The winner will be invited to a private lunch with two of Howden’s senior executives. This is a unique opportunity to build connections with industry leaders, ask questions, gain valuable career advice and hear from the people helping to shape the future of insurance. And there's more for all 40 shortlisted candidates!

All 40 shortlisted students will be invited to an immersive Insight Week at Howden HQ in spring 2027, with travel and accommodation covered by Howden. Designed to help you build confidence, develop new skills and discover the opportunities available in insurance, the programme will give you the chance to:

  • Explore the world of insurance: Discover an industry full of opportunities in a supportive environment where no previous knowledge is needed
  • Meet industry leaders: Learn from experienced professionals, hear their career stories and gain insight into the future of insurance
  • Develop practical skills: Take part in interactive workshops designed to build confidence and develop real-world skills
  • Experience an assessment centre: Practise your skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment
  • Build your network: Connect with Howden professionals and other talented students who could become future colleagues, mentors or collaborators
  • Discover your future career: Explore the wide range of opportunities available in insurance and find out where your interests and skills could take you

Support that goes beyond the awards

Howden's commitment doesn't end after Insight Week. All 40 shortlisted students will receive ongoing support throughout the following year, with opportunities for mentoring, career guidance and access to resources to help them take their next steps. Howden hopes to welcome these students onto its 2028 Summer Internship Programme, giving them the opportunity to continue developing their skills, gaining experience and exploring a future career in insurance.

Apply now
what it takes

What makes an award winner?

We’re looking for someone who is curious, proactive and people-focused. You’ll show initiative, communicate well and bring a positive attitude to the things you get involved in.

We’re looking for potential, not a polished CV. Your achievements matter, but so do your attitude, effort and willingness to learn. We want someone who shows integrity and resilience, is open to new experiences and genuinely wants to make a difference.

Above all, we’re looking for someone who is ready to explore, connect and grow, and discover where their potential could take them.

If that sounds like you, this could be your chance to stand out.

Apply now

FROM OUR PARTNER

Howden and the Undergraduate of the Year Award Celebrating Social Mobility

At Howden Insurance, we are a leading global insurance brokerage and risk management firm, built on the belief that doing things differently delivers better results for our clients. Since our founding in 1994, we’ve grown from a small London-based broker into one of the world’s largest independent insurance groups — with over 23,000 employees across 50+ countries.

Our independence is at the heart of who we are. As an employee-owned business, our people are invested in every decision we make, empowering us to put clients first, think long-term, and act with integrity. This ownership model drives a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

Our people create their own destinies, and it’s no coincidence that they also make up our largest shareholder group. Our business succeeds by allowing our people to make a mark in the areas they care about most: personal development, volunteering and fundraising for charity, or creating new insurance products that address society’s greatest challenges.

At Howden, you'll get the platform to kick-start your working life. You can build a successful career with us, whether you graduated with a degree or left school at 16. And don't worry if you're transitioning from another industry - we prize transferable skills. It's a mindset thing:  if you bring a can-do attitude, we’ll teach you the rest.

To find out more about our early careers, click here.

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going all the way

How do I win?

Register

To apply, you’ll need to:

  1. Register for the Undergraduate of the Year Awards
  2. Complete an online assessment

Deadline: 12pm (midday), Monday 25 January 2027.

Extended Deadline:
25
January
2027

Online tests

Deadline:
25
January
2027

Submit by

25

January

2027

Remember, please make sure you allow enough time to complete all three assessments before the deadline.

If you’re successful in progressing to the next stage, we’ll be in touch by 26 February 2027 with details of what happens next.

Assessment

If you successfully pass the initial application and screening stage, your application will be reviewed by Howden

From there, you could be invited to take part in networking, interviews, an assessment centre or other activities designed to help you showcase your skills and get to know Howden.

Full details will be given to successful students.

Grand final

Made it to the final? Congratulations!

The final shortlisted students will be invited to join us at the Undergraduate of the Year Awards ceremony on 16 April 2027, where we’ll celebrate their achievements and reveal the winner of each award.

Could you be taking home the trophy? Good luck!

Apply now

How do I win?

Register

To apply, you’ll need to:

  1. Register for the Undergraduate of the Year Awards
  2. Complete an online assessment

Deadline: 12pm (midday), Monday 25 January 2027.

Extended Deadline:
25
January
2027

Online tests

Deadline:
25
January
2027

Submit by

25

January

2027

Remember, please make sure you allow enough time to complete all three assessments before the deadline.

If you’re successful in progressing to the next stage, we’ll be in touch by 26 February 2027 with details of what happens next.

Assessment

If you successfully pass the initial application and screening stage, your application will be reviewed by Howden

From there, you could be invited to take part in networking, interviews, an assessment centre or other activities designed to help you showcase your skills and get to know Howden.

Full details will be given to successful students.

Grand final

Made it to the final? Congratulations!

The final shortlisted students will be invited to join us at the Undergraduate of the Year Awards ceremony on 16 April 2027, where we’ll celebrate their achievements and reveal the winner of each award.

Could you be taking home the trophy? Good luck!

Apply now