Data Science, Analytics & Engineering Graduate Programme

How we capture, analyse and use data is vital for our digital future. That’s where our Data Science, Analytics and Engineering teams come in. Join this two-year rotational programme and you’ll gain experience in several analytical teams and departments.

You’ll work closely with recognised experts as you develop your ability to study historic claims data, analyse trends and opportunities, and assess which risks we cover.

You’ll learn from people who design software, work with robotic process automation, integrate machine learning and create data-led solutions.

Joining teams of Actuaries, Data Science, Pricing and Engineering professionals, you’ll learn how to make the most of powerful insights. And you’ll gain experience of cutting-edge technologies such as Snowflake, DataBricks, Earnix and coding in Python, SQL and R.

Where you’ll be based

We’re committed to hybrid working. You’ll need to be in either our Bexhill or London office around once a week, with the option and flexibility of working from home on other days.

Starting your career with us

We understand that your first graduate role should be more than just a job. Starting your career at Hastings Direct gives you the chance to make your mark in an ambitious, rapidly growing and digitally driven business. A company that genuinely cares about you as an individual, respects your opinions and listens to your ideas. One where you can make a positive difference, because you’re encouraged to look for growth opportunities and achieve your full potential.

We aim to give you the experience and technical knowledge to progress your career. We’ll provide you with a nurturing and challenging environment to help expand your horizons, develop new skills and make new connections.

Most of all, you’ll find all the support you need from people at every level, so you can fulfil your ambitions. From managers who are approachable and supportive, to colleagues who are always ready to help each other out. In short, you’ll have all you need to launch a successful career.

Your rotations

This two-year programme is designed to give you a variety of exposure to different aspects of data science and analytics. You’ll enjoy a series of project-based rotations that enable you to make a real contribution to our business.

You’ll gain practical experience in Actuarial & Data Science, Risk Pricing, Pricing Development & Analytics and Retail Pricing. This means you could be working on anything from predictive analytics on customer lifetime value or price optimisation, to identifying profitable market segments, automation or fraud detection. So, by the end of the programme, you’ll be ready to take on a mid-level role, become a mentor to future graduates, and add value to our work.

Underwriting Actuarial and Data Science

You’ll be involved in developing cutting-edge data assets and predictive models that feed into our market-leading pricing activities.
Underwriting Data Engineering

You’ll focus on sourcing, curating, storing, and governing data. Data engineering projects are complex and foundational to the success of many of our digital transformation initiatives.
Retail Pricing Core & Deployment

You'll be working on analysis, optimisations, and rating logic. The work is fast paced, quickly responding to market changes and trading performance. You'll utilise a wide range of skills, and see tangible outcomes, with your work feeding into our live pricing.
Retail Pricing Development & Analytics

You'll be developing models and data enrichment assets that feed into our live pricing, testing novel 'alternative pricing' approaches and working on analytical projects to help our stakeholders understand where new pricing initiatives can support company performance.
Retail Pricing Data Science & Engineering

You'll work across a variety of areas in this team. These include the building, maintenance and monitoring of our market models to understand our competitors’ pricing strategies, data engineering and customer-focused data science projects.

Your professional development

From the moment you join us, we’ll make sure you have access to a wide variety of opportunities for both personal and professional growth. You’ll be enrolled on our early careers development programme, providing you with a suite of bespoke sessions which develop the strengths we know graduates need to be successful at Hastings Direct. You’ll also have the opportunity to network and meet others in graduate programmes across the business.

To support you in your programme, we offer dedicated development and coaching to build your leadership skills, along with regular formal training to support wider awareness of company, industry and regulatory requirements.

And our inclusive, supportive culture means you’ll have a strong support network around you. From leaders to mentors, buddies to our Early Careers team, you’ll always have someone you can talk to about anything. From your future career at Hastings Direct, to where to get a coffee!

What we look for

We look for a combination of technical and personal skills, so you’ll need to have:

Qualifications

A degree achieved in the past three years in a STEM subject, or a strong demonstrated interest in data.

Interests

A demonstrated interest in Machine Learning and a desire to continually build upon your knowledge in this field.

Skills

Proficiency in coding with Python or R.

Strong mathematical capabilities, including a solid understanding of probability and statistics.

Self-awareness and an understanding of your strengths and areas for development.

Strong skills in logic and problem-solving, with the ability to analyse and interpret data effectively.

Behaviours

An inquisitive nature and a curiosity to explore and solve complex problems.

Excellent communication skills, including experience presenting results to others.

Meet some of the team

Jack, Data Graduate (First Year Graduate)

Before joining Hastings, I didn't really know a lot about the insurance industry but the focus on the 4Cs (in particular the attitude towards colleagues and customers) and learning all about the graduate development programme from the website really attracted me to the role.

A major highlight for me so far is already having work that I've contributed to being put into real use. It feels good knowing that, even this early on, the work I do is having a positive impact.

Javier, Data Graduate (First Year Graduate)

The graduate programme is a great learning opportunity and includes lots of attractive benefits. Usually, I spend a lot of time learning modelling tools and methods, either by reading or by practising with actual data using Python, SQL or some specific software.

Often, I would have one or two meetings either with my manager or my team mates to update everyone on how things are going or on specific parts of a project. Not all days are the same, as sometimes I prepare a presentation, or we have an event going on, and there are office days too, so the routine feels dynamic.

Avanish, Data Graduate (First Year Graduate)

The work environment is the best I have personally experienced and is ideal for starting a new career. All the graduate programmes have some form of rotation which will allow you to deepen understanding of your favourite topics whilst applied to insurance, as well as extend your knowledge to other parts of the business.

Ultimately, based on my time here so far, my expectation from the programme is that it will turn me into a technically well-rounded individual when it comes to data science, analytics and engineering in insurance.

Our recruitment process

After each stage, we’ll let you know if you’ve made it to the next one and what to expect. If you haven’t, we’ll be happy to give you feedback.

Apply

Choose the right programme for you, then just answer a couple of basic application questions and attach your CV.

Reviewing your application

We’ll review your application to see if you have what we’re looking for in your chosen programme.

Online assessment

Your chance to show us how you evaluate, reason and conceptualise, spot patterns, solve problems and use your numerical skills to draw conclusions.

Video interview

An interview covering why you want to join us, with some technical questions.

Meet us

From producing case studies and giving presentations, to group and role-specific tasks, this is your chance to shine.

Welcome!

If you’re successful, we’ll offer you a place on one of our programmes and call you to talk through the details.

Frequently asked questions

I already work at Hastings Direct – can I still apply?

Absolutely! If you meet our eligibility requirements, everyone is welcome. We suggest that you also speak with your Leader to help support with your application.
I don’t have a visa – can I still apply to Hastings Direct?

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to sponsor visas for our graduate programmes. You will be asked to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK during the selection process, and you must maintain and be able to demonstrate your right to work throughout the duration of your employment with the Company.
If you do have immigration permission (e.g. a graduate visa), this visa must cover you for the two or three-year programme and you’ll need to provide evidence of your course completion from your university before your starting date.
Can I apply to more than one programme?

Yes, however throughout the recruitment process we may give you the advice that you're better suited to another programme - we always have your best interests at heart.
My degree discipline is not listed on the candidate specification for the programme I am interested in, can I still apply?

Yes, if you can demonstrate your suitability for the role through relevant work experience, projects or modules throughout your degree or additional skills and interests.
I’m a mature student/graduate – can I still apply?

Yes – age is just a number although we do ask that applicants have graduated within the past 3 years.
Can I apply if I’ve already graduated?

Yes, so long as you meet the minimum requirements for the programme you’d like to apply to, and we do ask that applicants have graduated within the past three years.
Do I need to relocate if I’m successful?

This will depend on the programme you are joining. We do typically ask that you are within commutable distance to one of our offices so you benefit from in-person support when you join, further information on which office can be found within the job advert.
I have a disability, long term health or neuro-diverse condition, are you able to provide support or adjustments through the recruitment process?

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. We can make adjustments and offer support throughout the recruitment process to ensure that you have the best chance of success. Furthermore, if you are made an offer, we can then discuss with you the adjustments you might need to get on with the job and develop your career.
Please refer to the recruitment process to find out more about the different stages during the recruitment process which will help you identify whether you will need any support or adjustments at any stage. Please contact us to discuss any support you may require at recruitmentteam@hastingsdirect.com.
What kind of adjustments can be made?

Adjustments vary depending on the specific needs or circumstances of the individual and the best way to identify the most suitable adjustments is for us to speak with you, which will allow us to determine what adjustments would be most appropriate.
Examples can include additional time, breaks, adjustable font sizes and subtitles on videos.
Please contact us to discuss any support you may require at recruitmentteam@hastingsdirect.com.
Is the assessment centre face to face or virtual and when will it take place?

We’ve moved back to face-to-face assessment centres. You’ll be asked to attend an in-person assessment centre, in one of our offices at either Bexhill, Leicester or London.
We will advise you of the scheduled dates for your programme nearer the time so that you can keep the date free.
If I’m successful when is my starting date?

Each programme will start in September 2024.
If you have immigration permission that will allow you to complete your two or three year programme, you must provide evidence of your course completion from your university before your starting date.

Ready to apply?

Are you ready for a graduate programme with a fast growing, digitally-focused insurance company? A business with huge ambitions to be the UK’s best and biggest digital insurer?

An organisation that focuses on profitable growth that’s truly sustainable, by doing the right thing for colleagues, customers, the community and the company – our 4Cs? Somewhere that celebrates openness and diversity by encouraging you to be yourself – and was ranked 4th in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List 2023/24?

Are you ready for a future with Hastings Direct?

Recruitment for our 2024 programmes is now closed – applications will open again in early 2025.

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