Employee interview

Hear from Fran Hickey

“I really value the learning opportunities NHBC provides and the wide range of departments I have had the chance to explore."

Name: Fran Hickey
Company: NHBC
Job title: Business Graduate

Background

After studying Anthropology at the University of Kent, Fran was looking for a graduate scheme that provided a way for her to get a comprehensive understanding of the business she was joining. She felt this was the best way to gain a solid base for her career.

Joining NHBC’s Business Graduate Programme

As part of the application process graduates are invited to attend an assessment centre and take part in a team task. Following a successful application Fran joined the NHBC Business Graduate Programme in September 2024.

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

Graduates on this programme get to experience working in four different areas of the organisation: Standards, Innovation and Research, Underwriting, Commercial Services and Claims Operations. Fran is currently working in Claims Operations.

Fran said “By working in lots of different areas of the organisation I am hoping to develop transferrable skills that I can use in the future for different roles. I also want to make the most of the chance to fill any gaps I have in my knowledge to enable me to progress.”

How has NHBC supported you?

NHBC provides the tools, resources and support graduates need to learn and develop, including a mentor who can support them throughout the two-year programme.

Fran explained “At the start of the programme, each person was assigned a mentor from the department we wanted to join. This meant that, from the very beginning, we had an insight into our chosen department and a point of contact if we ever had any questions or concerns.”

Why did you want to work at NHBC?

Fran said “I really value the learning opportunities NHBC provides and the wide range of departments I have had the chance to explore. I feel like being a part of this programme has set me up to have a thorough understanding of this organisation and given me a great start in my career.”