European Graduate Programme 2026

Permanent role. Purpose of the programme is to fast-track graduates to destination roles gaining both expertise in class and breath of knowledge across department and the business in line with the relevant career frameworks/ role requirements

Meet Markel:

Welcome to Markel where we take great pride in what we do. To us, insurance isn't just a policy - it's a vital promise that gives people and businesses the confidence to move forward, each and every day. Here, you'll find exceptional people, without the egos. People who'll bring out your best and support you at every step - because it's who we are and the secret to our success.

We are a leading global speciality insurer with a truly people first-approach. With over 5,000 employees across the globe, finding creative solutions for complex risks is our passion. And our broad array of tools and knowledge allows us to create tailored coverage solutions for even the most complex needs.

Our Global business offers innovative products and services across the US, UK, Europe, Canada and Asia Pacific.

We pride ourselves on having accessible leadership, an inclusive culture and a focus on empowerment - this is what we call 'The Markel Style', which is brought to life through our employee networks, centred around inclusion, community, wellbeing and recognition.

Markel Group (NYSE – MKL) is a Fortune 500 company with over 60 offices in 20+ countries. We are a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, specialist advisory, and investment operations around the world.

We've come a long way since Sam Markel dreamed big in 1930, but in our eyes, our journey is just getting started.

We're all about people | We win together | We strive for better | We enjoy the everyday | We think further

The opportunity:

We are excited to launch our very first Markel Graduate Programme in Europe, which will offer the successful candidates a fully immersive professional experience in the world of Specialty Insurance.

We truly believe in developing our talent in-house. This is a permanent role from the beginning, giving you peace of mind throughout the programme and a bright future with Markel to look forward to.

What you'll be doing:

• Based in Munich, our 2 year Graduate Programme will include exciting secondments to our Madrid and Rotterdam offices, offering a unique opportunity to experience the Markel Style on a truly European level.
• You will move through various departments in the business with a focus on our core areas of Underwriting, Business Development and Claims, learning as you go, supported by our local teams.

What's in it for you:

• You'll get support every step of the way – we know that starting out in a new role and industry can be daunting but Markel's ego-free environment gives you all the support that you need to go further and achieve great things.
• You will learn all about the Insurance world and gain valuable industry insights and experience.
• Your development doesn't just stop after your programme. Markel is committed to you and your long-term career - there are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career, and we can provide the support needed to do just that
• A genuine culture of camaraderie - at Markel, our shared values aren't just buzzwords. We really mean what we say in the Markel Style, and walk the talk, every day.
• Enjoy the views and the atmosphere in our stunning offices in Munich, Madrid, and Rotterdam.
• Be part of our growing Early Careers community – through 121 buddy support, socials and other events you will have every opportunity to network and build great relationships with your peers both inside and outside of Markel.
• Competitive starting salary with an excellent benefits package – details of which will be shared at the first stage of the process.
• The chance to connect and take part in graduate training in our London office.

Our must-haves:

Markel are looking for candidates who:

• Are collaborative relationship builders, who understand how to bring out the best in others, continuing to build our enviably strong people-focused culture.
• Recognise the vital role our work plays in the world and are passionate about playing their part, in any way they can.
• Are always looking for ways to innovate and improve what we do.
• Are proactive and committed to making a meaningful difference every day.
• Have achieved or are on track to achieve a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
• Are multi-lingual. For the European programme we require fluency in English and German. Additional language skills in any of the following would be an advantage; Dutch, Spanish, French or Italian.

Are you ready to play your part?

If you're looking for a place where you can make a meaningful difference, you've found it. The work we do at Markel gives people the confidence to move forward, reach their full potential and seize opportunities. You'll find your fit amongst our diverse global community of optimists and problem-solvers. We're always pushing each other to think further because we believe that when we strive for better and realise our potential, we can help others reach theirs.
 

It only takes 30 seconds to register your interest in these roles, and we'll support you throughout the full application process.

Choose 'Apply Now' to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.

Markel celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with all reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful.

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