Investment Consulting Summer Intern Review

Focusing on numerous tasks to aid DC pension schemes in decision-making including portfolio composition/ asset allocation, ESG requirements and pension fund performance reporting. Aiding the production of advice papers for pension scheme trustees to inform them of relevant asset classes and the reasoning for certain investment suggestions also comes under the duties of the role. The role ultimately gives you an exposure to all of the tasks covered by the Investment Consulting Team to maximise your learning opportunities

Since joining Aon, my knowledge of the pension industry and investing in general has increased substantially. The outlook that the DB pensions industry requires is very different to typical investing, which tends to purely target outperformance. Assets that are fairly unique to DB schemes provide quite a steep learning curve initially. Other than that, I've been given several opportunities to improve presentational skills as well as routinely cultivating my analytical skills and attention to detail

My internship started fairly slowly initially, with not too many tasks being given in the first couple of weeks. Given the steep learning curve most intern face when entering the DB pension scheme space, this time is primarily focused on training sessions and personal learning. Once, I began to start understanding the mechanics of the industry better, the team felt more comfortable getting me involved with tasks, knowing that I could actually contribute. Admittedly, given the internship is only 9 weeks long, there is not too much scope for a high level of knowledge to be developed and, as such, many of these tasks are admin based, etc. As the internship has progressed, I have been given more and more responsibility when it comes to client based tasks

The internship is well run in this regard. We began with a 2 day induction in the London office to receive training, etc. Following this, the Early Careers team has run weekly Internship wide learning sessions for us to help provide guidance on softer skills and help us settle into the firm. As far as my team goes, they have been very attentive, providing training sessions regularly and giving me plenty of assistance on tasks, whenever I've needed it

Inclusivity is the word that comes to mind at Aon. There has been a particular focus on inclusivity since day 1 of my internship, which I think is typified when looking at the demographics within the internship cohort. As interns, we were tasked with producing a promotional video for one of the internal charity groups which aim to champion diversity and inclusion, further emphasising the company's aims in this realm. Naturally, this translated into a very friendly and welcoming office atmosphere.

I have enjoyed my internship on the whole I would say. There have been times where I have felt out of my depth or challenged, given the nature of the work of my lack of familiarity with the industry coming in. I have also felt quite isolated at times, being based in a regional office rather than the London office, which appears to be the hub for both interns and social opportunities. However, I have learnt a lot in a short amount of time and everyone I have worked with has been both friendly and helpful.

Yes

Given that the pension industry is not an area of finance typically taught or focused on at universities (certainly not in my case). Consider looking into the industry before an interview just as some background knowledge. This will show you are actually interested in the role and are pro-active in your approach to learning more. This also gives you the chance to check that this is an area you want to consider working in in the future. Don't just blindly apply because it says 'Investment' in the job title.