UK Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the virtual experience and found all members of Aon to help with inductions and onboarding as well as answering any questions. There was exposure to many parts of Aon's business as well as a comprehensive review of insurance and the different lines of business Aon works with. Working virtually enabled me to network with different parts of the business and built my brand, as well as take advantage of Aon's online learning and resources.

I worked on multiple projects during my time at Aon and really felt my input was valued and the work I was doing had an impact on colleagues and clients. Despite being an intern and having limited background knowledge / experience in insurance, I was soon made to feel part of the team and found myself learning and picking up concepts / skills quickly. Aon has a very inclusive culture with people from all backgrounds coming together.

I received a host of online inductions during my first 2 weeks which introduced me to Aon's work and the range of streams and business lines it operates in. These were useful to familiarize myself with systems and software and build networks who could offer support during the internship. I also had a good connection with both my manager and "buddy" who both offered my valuable support during the internship and were available to help on work.

I developed strong project management skills which will be valuable during my final year at university, as well as communication and leadership skills which are key transferable skills. I also developed a range of analytical and research based skills which are essential at both university and graduate level and this enhanced my numerical skills. Proficiency in software such as Excel and PowerPoint was also greatly improved which will help me at university and beyond during my career.

The online internship with Aon was very well structured, with a range of tasks and opportunities to get involved in. I enjoyed speaker series and sessions with other members of the business to hear about their career and journey and broaden my Aon IQ. Furthermore, deadlines and meetings followed a good schedule which meant the structure of the internship flowed well and there was good integration of the interns into meaningful work which Aon produces.

The atmosphere at Aon is one which thrives in diversity and inclusiveness. This really impressed me during my time at Aon and I never felt that anyone was at a disadvantage. As the internship was remote, Aon ensured I received all the equipment and support at my own home in order to complete the internship and ensure I had the best experience possible. Aon United is a model where all members of Aon come together and this atmosphere is clear from my 8 week online internship.

Aon invested heavily into my training and ensured I received sufficient training and advice in many different areas / skills which would be useful for the internship. They ensured past interns and graduates were available to give advice and training in order to invest in the current cohort of interns. Self reflection and feedback was key in order to ensure personal training and development was being maximized. Aon really believes in the future and by converting the internship online, this is very clear.

I got exposure to a range of projects and work at Aon Inpoint and by virtually meeting members of the team could quickly piece together the range of work Inpoint provides and the solutions to different clients / stakeholders. Key skills for a full time role were identified and by being involved in projects helped me understand the expectations of fulfilling the role on a full time basis. Despite not being in the office, it was still evident to me how Inpoint operate and its goals / objectives.

A range of online sessions and workshops helped display Aon's culture of inclusiveness and importance of diversity. Furthermore, it was clear that Aon had a culture of investing in its interns and their future by continuing the internship online as a result of COVID-19, as well as returning value to its shareholders. I could see that Aon works as one to consistently bring its best to clients and is always looking to innovate to get ahead of its competitors and further its mission.

The content helped me decide my future career path and that strategy consulting is something which I am keen to pursue. Inpoint provides insights and solutions for a range of insurers / reinsurers and is an industry I am very keen to pursue. I found the opportunity to help clients compete more effectively and explore new opportunities / markets an exciting one. Both my manager and connector were helpful when it came to career planning and setting my targets.

I was paid for this experience and had no problems with Aon's online system and accessing payslips etc. Travel reimbursement was also covered and Aon ensured all equipment was provided prior to the internship to ensure I could fully complete all tasks and projects from home, working remotely. This ensured everyone's experience in the internship was equal and meant that Aon really invested in its future by continuing the internship and providing us with the items to be able to work from home.

Despite the internship being online due to COVID-19, there was a range of opportunities to meet other employees at Aon. Everyone from the internship was closely integrated together and meetings were arranged for us to meet different members of our chosen stream / division. Furthermore, events were also held with interns and colleagues from other parts of the world and there was plenty of networking with members of Aon from different continents and countries which was great to build up a network.

The networking and social event opportunities were structured very well, with plenty of opportunities for interns, grads, associates and senior members of Aon to come together and have a meaningful discussion. Follow up meetings were always welcomed and everyone was very approachable in terms of asking for help, connecting and having a conversation. Events were also laid on in a non-work environment, with various quizzes and other activities available for interns to participate in and enjoy.

Due to COVID-19 there was fewer activities and events we could get involved in, however Aon showcased and educated us on some of its past events, including Aon United days for communities were it gives back to the community. Furthermore, virtual events were arranged outside of work and these were a great way to meet new people and socialize outside of the work environment. Despite difficulties, there were many ways to get involved in activities outside of work.

I would definitely recommend this virtual experience for anyone with an interest in strategy consulting and insurance. The range of hard and soft skills developed such as research, communication and presentation is remarkable and Inpoint will enable you to work with different account and project teams to deliver business focused initiatives and results for a range of clients. Furthermore, you are fully immersed into these experiences and given real responsibility throughout the internship which I truly value.