As a leading provider of general insurance and financial services, with a UK network of around 300 local agencies and seven regional offices, we really can lay claim to being a great place to work and a genuine destination of choice for ambitious graduates.

Having again won the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award in 2021, we are justifiably proud to be one of only 39 companies across the globe receive this prestigious accolade and enhance our status as a premier employer. As a leading provider of general insurance and financial services, with a UK network of around 300 local agencies and seven regional offices, we really can lay claim to being a great place to work and a genuine destination of choice for ambitious graduates.

For our 2022 intake, we’re offering places on a wide variety of schemes, spanning Audit, Finance, Sales, HR, Pricing, Data Science, IT, Customer Service and Sales & Business Management functions. Each will consist of a tailored 3-year programme, in a commercially focused environment, with your own personal mentor, where you’ll benefit from early and increasing responsibility in your own area of specialism.

So, if you’re going to graduate in 2022 with a good degree (grades vary) and looking to make the most of your future with an organisation that can promise you a great package, the chance to attain professional qualifications and genuine development opportunities, then it’s time to find out more.

Typically recruits:

• Audit
• Finance
• Sales
• HR
• Pricing
• Data Science
• Customer Service
• Sales
• Business Management
• IT

Your name: Jade Collins

University you attended: Aston University

Office location: Head Office

Department, team or function: Group Change

Why did you choose the NFU Mutual Graduate route?

One of the things that made me apply for the NFU Mutual Graduate scheme was the flexibility the scheme offers. Coming straight out of university, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, apart from that I wanted to focus on project, programme and portfolio management. The Graduate scheme has allowed me to trial different areas of Group Change, get a feel for the different roles available, and help me determine my future career path! In addition to this, the employees at NFU Mutual are all incredibly supportive and want to help you learn and grow. They have helped me develop and made me as confident in myself and my capabilities as I am today.

What qualifications are you studying on the scheme?

Completed Cert CII and PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner.

How would you describe the onboarding experience?

My onboarding experience was really good. The Learning and Organisational Development team kept in regular communication, informing me of the status of my onboarding and giving the opportunity to ask any questions. We had a ‘Getting to Know You Day’ which meant we could meet all of the other Professional Trainees in our cohort, and the Learning and Development team, before joining later in the year. When I joined NFU Mutual officially for my first day, I met the previous PT in my department and was given ample time to get accustomed to my new role and location, and great support from my team. I couldn’t have asked for anything extra in my onboarding process.

Has NFU Mutual done anything in particular to support you in your job, your work/life balance or your life outside of work?

NFU Mutual are really supportive of a work/life balance. I have a horse, with which comes a lot of responsibility outside of work! My managers have been supportive of me having to suddenly dash off to an urgent vet appointment, and are incredibly supportive of my desire to learn and develop in role. However, this is a two-way street and when it is required of me to work extra time, I will do this.

What advice would you give to somebody else thinking about joining our Graduate schemes?

There are a huge number of applications for roles at NFU Mutual so competition is fierce. Make sure you are passionate about the company and the role you are applying for. It may be cliché, but it’s a very common pitfall. Explain why the company excites you and why it will help you grow and develop.

Know your stuff – about the role and the company.

Applicants who have actually done their research on the role and company they are applying for impress recruiters. It shows they are keen and have the right attitude for the workplace. Take a look at our website, see what we’ve been doing over the past few years and what we plan to do in the future. Not only this, but research the industry we operate in. What are the trends that may affect us in the next few years? Be you! It may sound really simple, but just be yourself. You will get the most out of the experience by being you. Be honest about who you are and your experiences and be open to new opportunities.