Make a Career Out of Better Decisions

Anya

What attracted you to Aon and your programme?

I am part of the Commercial Risk and Reinsurance Broking Graduate Programme, where I rotate around PCCM (Property, Casualty and Crisis Management). I was attracted to Aon because of their reputation as a leading broker within the London Insurance Market and an established Early Careers employer.

I was fortunate enough to be part of the Summer Internship Programme during university which allowed me to gain a deeper insight into the insurance industry and the role of a broker. This led me to the Graduate Programme which appealed to me as it is a great way to gain professional qualifications such as the CII alongside working and gaining hands on broking experience.

What do you find most interesting about your sector?

The prominence of building strong relationships with underwriters and clients to negotiate and ultimately ensure clients receive the best possible coverage and outcome for their insurance needs. The value of face-to-face interactions is key within the insurance sector, and I have loved being able to speak to underwriters in Lloyds and build strong working relationships.

What’s been your favourite moment or achievement at Aon so far?

My first independent broke to an underwriter in Lloyds! This was a daunting experience but invaluable and helped to build my confidence at the start of my career. This is a great example of how Aon places trust and responsibility on graduates to help accelerate professional development.

Blake

What attracted you to Aon and your programme?

Aon’s Early Careers Programme stood out to me because of the amazing work culture and individuals. I have been able to boost my technical knowledge, gain client exposure and develop my professional growth. I’ve also expanded my professional network, connecting with graduates and colleagues across different areas of the business, which has been valuable for both learning and for feeling part of a wider community.

How has Aon supported your development?

The study package and guidance provided for the IFoA exams have given me the resources and flexibility to be able to balance work and study commitments effectively. Beyond exam support, I have benefited from being involved in varied client work, regular training sessions and the willingness of colleagues to share their knowledge and expertise. Aon has created an environment where I feel continually challenged and well-supported in achieving my goals.

What skills are useful in your role?

Strong numerical and analytical skill are crucial for performing calculations for pension schemes accurately, and attention to detail ensures reliability in the work we deliver. Communication and teamworking skills are equally important, as explaining complex concepts clearly and collaborating with colleagues is key to providing the best outcome for clients. Additionally, the ability to stay organised and manage your time effectively, has been particularly useful to me. It has made it easier to adapt to changes in workflow, as well as balance exam preparation.

Ozairr

Describe your role?

Essentially, we act as asset managers for our delegated clients, tasked with building and maintaining portfolios that help them meet their required rates of return. We construct portfolios across a wide range of asset classes, including hedge funds, public equities, and private equities. Some of my main responsibilities include calculating fund performance, meeting regularly with managers and assessing and adjusting portfolios when necessary to enhance the risk-return profile or respond to significant market changes.

Something I really enjoy about the role is that we are directly impacted by market movements. When we have our weekly calls to discuss market developments or topical news, those conversations can lead to meaningful changes in portfolio positioning.

How has Aon supported your development?

During our first year, Aon's Early Careers team provided us with a wide array of learning sessions where we had the opportunity to hear from different areas of the business and focus on personal and professional development. More recently, Aon introduced a rotational programme that gives new joiners the chance to explore different areas of the business. This initiative has helped us gain a deeper understanding of how all the teams at Aon work together as One, while also allowing us to develop new skills and learn from colleagues we may not typically work with.

What top three tips would you give to students considering your career path?

1. Show genuine interest during your interview. Demonstrating your enthusiasm through actions such as sharing informative articles on topics that interest you can highlight your passion for a career in finance/professional services.
2. Build your network on LinkedIn. Connect with people who attended your university and now work at the company you’re applying to. Ask if they’d be open to a quick coffee chat or phone call to help deepen your knowledge of the company, its culture, and the type of work they do.
3. Understand that it’s a long process. Breaking into the industry can be challenging and time-consuming, but staying organised, sticking to a schedule, and making time for extracurricular activities to avoid burnout can help make the journey smoother

Jonny

How has Aon supported your development?

From the moment I joined Aon as an intern back in 2023, I have enjoyed working in a collaborative environment with inclusion and diversity at its heart. The Early Careers team work extremely hard to make the transition from university to the working world seamless and the size and calibre of the graduate cohort ensures an immediate support group which has proven invaluable for me personally.

While I initially had to try many different methods to make studying effective alongside full-time work, the exam preparation resources I have been given by Aon are excellent and have made actuarial examinations a much more attainable feat.

What’s been your favourite moment or achievement at Aon so far?

For me, a moment that stands out came within the first couple weeks of my internship when I had the opportunity to march at London Pride with one of the many Business Resource Groups at Aon, the Price Alliance. Prior to my internship, I had always been told that my LGBTQ+ identity was at odds with my desire to work in professional services in London. That to succeed, I would have to hide the most authentic parts of myself to succeed in my career. To be able to march through the streets of London surrounded by my peers, and to experience the joy and community that comes with that, is a special feeling that I will never forget.

Lucy

Describe your role?

My role involves researching and monitoring equity asset managers - those currently on the buylist of client-recommended strategies and new potential additions. Day-to-day my role varies, one moment I’m meeting with prospective managers, and the next I’m working on client deliverables, helping to ensure we deliver thoughtful and high-quality recommendations.

What’s the best thing you have learned so far?

Always say yes to opportunities, particularly at this stage of your career. Each one helps shape your career path and creates opportunities to meet and build relationships with people who support your development and broaden your perspective.

How has Aon supported your development?

Aon has supported my development in several ways, whether that be through offering exam and study packages, or weekly reading sessions with other team members to expand my knowledge on the role. This extends through to the opportunities that I have been offered to not only network and gain experience across the business, but more widely across the industry.

Jay

What attracted you to Aon and your programme?

Aon’s Graduate Programme stood out to me as truly market leading. It offers a wealth of development opportunities, enabling me to learn from industry-leading experts. I was also attracted by Aon’s broad impact across multiple industries and the encouragement to explore different solution lines. This culture of continuous learning and collaboration really appealed to me, as it allows graduates to gain exposure to a diverse range of challenges and opportunities, and to share innovative ideas with our clients.

What’s been your favourite moment or achievement at Aon so far?

Introducing a new method for managing ongoing and upcoming work within my client teams and projects. This new approach has improved both efficiency and work balance, ensuring we deliver solutions to clients more effectively. The positive feedback I received from colleagues highlighted the value and impact of this change, which was very rewarding.

What do you find most interesting about your sector?

The decisions we make in this industry have both direct and indirect effects, shaping not only the sector itself but also the broader financial well-being of individuals and society. What I find especially engaging is how the industry is constantly changing — regularly adapting to new challenges. This dynamic environment ensures there’s always an opportunity to learn and develop, encouraging us to think creatively and proactively so we can deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Tayari

What Attracted you to Aon and your programme?

I first heard of Aon through their Diverse Future Leaders Programme. It was a great opportunity as I got to visit Aon’s London office for the launch event and then participate in a series of online workshops and skills sessions. I learned a lot about the insurance industry, what Aon does, and got to meet people from different parts of the business. I was also paired with a mentor which was really useful, as it gave me a chance to ask questions and get advice from someone who’s already working at Aon.

What’s been your favourite moment or achievement at Aon so far?

Whilst on my second rotation, I had the privilege of attending the FAC EMEA conference in Madrid in which all the EMEA colleagues around the world came together to meet and discuss FAC Reinsurance. It was a great opportunity as it was my first time getting to travel through work. It allowed me to network with colleagues from our global offices and learn more about the world of FAC and the work they do in other offices.

I’ve also enjoyed supporting several events that the Early Careers team have put on for students. I’ve seen the benefit of going to these types of events and speaking to people in the industry, so supporting as an Aon graduate has been both rewarding and extremely useful. It has helped me grow in confidence, expand my network, and pass on knowledge and advice I’ve accumulated to younger people.

What top three tips would you give to students considering your career path?

1. Get in early. Start looking into what early careers opportunities are out there, e.g. insight days, work experience programmes, or career fairs.
2. Do a placement year if you can. It gives you hands-on experience, transferable skills and a real feel for what working in the industry is like.
3. Be proactive and open-minded. Take every opportunity you can to learn and meet people, whether that’s through networking events, volunteering, or asking questions. The more you put yourself out there, the more you’ll get back in terms of experience and connections.

Katelyn

What attracted you to Aon and your programme?

Aon’s commitment towards inclusion and diversity, the welcoming environment, and the level of support provided to graduates. From the beginning, you are part of a 10-month Launch development programme which gives you the chance to meet other graduates from all over the UK and develop your skills. This has proven to be an amazing experience!

Describe your role?

I provide Scheme Secretarial support to clients who employ us for Pension Scheme advise. Tasks include arranging meetings, attending, and writing minutes, liaising with third parties and supporting with Pension Scheme compliance work. I also work in Aon’s specialist Cyber Governance consulting team where my responsibilities include presenting training sessions for clients on the current market trends in relation to cyber governance and risk.

What skills are useful in your role?

Organisation, curiosity (ask lots of questions), problem-solving and public speaking - but don’t worry if you’re nervous, we all are! And you will have many chances to work on this skill whilst at Aon.

What top three tips would you give to students considering your career path?

1. Be prepared for the unexpected! No day is quite the same, yes, some tasks happen quarterly/annually, however every client and experience will be unique.
2. Be prepared to be adaptable and flexible.
3. Most importantly, share your ideas. No one has the same experience, therefore solutions can all look differently.

Amy

What attracted you to Aon and your programme?

As a global leader in insurance, the scale and range of opportunities on offer at Aon was very appealing. Regarding the Graduate Programme, the level of investment, time, and high-quality support on offer, made it clear that this is a highly valued initiative within the company that would provide many opportunities for development, and access to a wide range of industry professionals.

What skills are useful in your role?

Strong communication and relationship building skills are essential to ensure I am understanding my client’s needs and negotiating with insurers effectively to meet these. Analytical and problem-solving abilities are similarly important when I need to assess the policy at hand, identify any changes or comparisons, or come up with creative solutions to try and satisfy business needs of all parties.

What’s the best thing you have learned so far?

The importance of collaboration and effective communication with your colleagues, and the positive impact this can have on your experience and professional outcomes. I have felt very comfortable asking for advice, sharing ideas and learning from others around me in the office and have felt very supported by all members of my team, something that seems to be embedded deeply into the Aon ethos across all departments.

David

Describe your role?

I advise Trustees – who are responsible for making sure pensions and benefits are paid – and sponsors of Defined Benefit pension schemes. My day-to-day involves assessing and updating stakeholders on how well their schemes are funded, calculating individual pension benefits, and preparing information for regulators. I’m also part of a specialist team focused on equalising pension benefits that were historically unequal between men and women. This work is more technical and involves plenty of problem solving which is challenging but very rewarding.

What skills are useful in your role?

Communication - the ability to explain technical concepts clearly, whether to clients, colleagues from different teams, or new graduates is essential in this role. Also, strong communication skills keep everyone aligned, make collaboration more effective, and supports the smooth delivery of projects.

Organisation - managing my workload, and sometimes the workload of others or the team, is a big part of my job. Prioritising tasks by importance and urgency helps stay on top of deadlines and keep projects moving, even when things get busy.

Being curious and learning - there are some graduates who come from an actuarial science background, but what really matters is a willingness to learn, adapt, and tackle problems and challenges using the skills and information you have and learn, while bringing together insights from different areas.

What top three tips would you give to students considering your career path?

1. Research the industry and company. Take the time to learn about the roles you’re interest in. This not only helps you perform better in interviews, but also ensures you find a job that suits your interests and values.
2. Ask meaningful questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or show curiosity, especially when you’re starting out. This demonstrates an eagerness to learn and can help you overcome the steep learning curve.
3. Be open to new experiences. Some of the most rewarding parts my time at Aon have come from saying yes to unexpected projects, which have helped me grow, learn new skills, and work with inspiring colleagues.

Mariam

What skills are useful in your role?

Organisational and efficient time management skills are core tools needed to excel in this role. It is very important to effectively balance working across multiple clients and meeting client deadlines. Learning how to prioritise your time will build a strong foundation for managing client tasks and studying for professional exams as well.

A significant part of my role involves delivering various reports for clients, so written and verbal communication skills are essential. Additionally, being able to deliver clear and targeted information in written format is important.

What’s the best thing you have learned so far?

Vouch for yourself, your biggest advocate is you. When you overcome imposter syndrome and realise you are meant to be here, everything falls into place. Your team and manager are also key parts of your development, and the best way they can support you is if you speak up—whether it’s about studying, progression, or anything else.

What advice would you give to students considering your career path?

Stay consistent, curious, and creative. I believe that to truly develop and progress in any career, it is important to be consistent and deliberate in your learning, ask questions, learn from your mistakes, and seek feedback. And always look for ways to improve things.

Jacob

What attracted you to Aon and your programme?

I have always had a keen interest in broking, and after leaving university I was eager to learn more about the insurance industry and how it operates. Given Aon’s strong reputation and position as a global leader in risk management, I felt it would be the ideal place to begin my career. After conducting some research, I was excited to discover that the Commercial Risk and Reinsurance Graduate Programme supports graduates in rotating between different teams and gaining exposure to various facets of the business. And seeing Aon’s recognition as a Times Top 100 Graduate Employer gave me further confidence that the programme would support my growth and development.

What skills are useful in your role?

Strong organisational skills and efficient time management are essential in broking, allowing you to manage multiple client accounts whilst delivering excellent customer service. It is also important to stay informed about market trends and regulatory developments as this enables you to provide clients with valuable industry insights. Clear and effective communication is also key as it helps build rapport with colleagues and clients, negotiate terms professionally and foster lasting relationships.

What advice would you give to students considering your career path?

Take advantage of all available learning opportunities, whether that’s attending career events, developing your knowledge through online research or networking with professionals within the insurance sector. Explore what interests you and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

Alliah

What do you find most interesting about your sector?

Even though all my clients are in the same sector, I'm doing completely different things with each one. It's always a learning experience because no two tasks are alike, which keeps things interesting.

How has Aon supported your development?

Before joining Aon, I often avoided presenting, but the numerous public speaking opportunities here have greatly boosted my confidence. I believe this progress wouldn't have happened without the encouragement and focus on development.

What’s the best thing you have learned so far?

The most valuable lesson I've learned is patience. By exercising patience and thoroughly absorbing the information presented to me, my comprehension of tasks has significantly enhanced. Over the past year at Aon, I feel as though I have gained so much knowledge.

What advice would you give to students considering your career path?

Focus on your organisational skills. Working with multiple teams can be overwhelming, but once I started prioritising time management and organisation, it made a significant difference.

Reece

What attracted you to Aon and your programme?

The way you can earn whilst you learn really appealed to me; I’m currently studying towards my CII qualifications which will further my career progression, all whilst working full time and earning a salary, without the burden of student debt! The programme also offers structured training, mentorship and support from members within your team, and they provide learning resources that has helped me develop both technical and soft skills.

Aon has a very inclusive environment where apprentices are encouraged to constantly improve and to become a better professional every day. An example of this is the many networking events Aon organise where they invite apprentices to attend so we can build our own personal brand and feel valued by the company.

Describe your role?

As an Assistant Underwriter, I manage the renewal process of a policy. I assess the risk of the information provided by the broker and determine whether we will accept or decline coverage. I also determine what terms we propose to the broker and deal with any queries they have to ensure they’re satisfied.

What top three tips would you give to students considering your career path?

1. Be curious and confident. Ask questions and display confidence to set a good impression.
2. Conduct research. Demonstrating your knowledge of a company shows employers you have a genuine interest in working for them.
3. Seek practical experience. Look for internships and work experience to gain real world exposure. This will also help you decide which areas of insurance suits you and can make your CV stand out from the rest.

Amy

What attracted you to Aon and your programme?

I was drawn to Aon as I wanted to start my career with a respected global company that invests in its people, and the Apprenticeship Programme offered the chance to gain practical experience and professional qualifications while working as a valued colleague from day one. I was also impressed by Aon’s supportive culture, where teamwork and personal growth are genuinely encouraged. Overall, I knew this was a place where I could build a solid foundation for my career and learn from experienced professionals in a collaborative environment.

How has Aon supported your development?

From the beginning, I’ve had access to structured training and professional qualifications, as well as hands-on learning throughout. My managers and colleagues have been approachable and willing to share their knowledge, and I’ve benefited from regular feedback and mentoring. The culture here encourages asking questions and trying new things, which has helped me build confidence and expand my skills. Overall, Aon has provided a supportive environment where I feel encouraged to grow both professionally and personally.

What top three tips would you give to students considering your career path?

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek out new learning opportunities. The more you show interest and initiative, the more you’ll get out of your apprenticeship.
2. You’ll face new tasks and sometimes make mistakes, but every experience is a chance to learn and improve. Take feedback positively as it’s all part of your development.
3. Don’t stress if you don’t know much about insurance when you start, most people come in with little or no knowledge of the industry. What matters is your willingness to learn and ask questions. The training and support will help you pick things up quickly, and everyone expects you to be learning as you go.

James

What attracted you to Aon and your programme?

I wanted to gain hands-on experience in the insurance industry while developing practical skills in an office setting. Aon's strong reputation in risk management and reinsurance made it an ideal choice for starting my career. The opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and learn on the job was something I wanted to do, and I knew that Aon would provide a supportive environment for growth and professional qualifications, making it the perfect place to begin my career journey.

What’s the best thing you have learned so far?

The best thing I've learned is the understanding of how the insurance industry operates, particularly reinsurance and risk management. I've gained valuable insights into how businesses manage risk, and the role Aon plays in this process. Additionally, I've learned the importance of managing responsibilities and collaborating effectively with my team. And most importantly, I've discovered opportunities for growth within the industry and how I can develop my career moving forward.

What top three tips would you give to students considering your career path?

1. An apprenticeship is a fantastic way to gain real-world experience while learning. Make sure to take every opportunity you can and ask questions to improve your knowledge to understand the industry.
2. Take on new challenges and responsibilities. Stepping outside your comfort zone is very important for personal and professional growth. By pushing yourself, you'll develop new skills and gain confidence in your abilities.
3. Building relationships and networks is another key tip. Take the time to connect with internal and external people as these relationships can provide more helpful insights and open doors for your future career.