Intern Review

Calculations via excel, using Aon's calculation models which are scheme specific and undergo rigorous testing. As an intern I was a doer, which means I completed the calculations, which were then scrutinised by an Aon colleague with more experience than me, and finally the scheme actuary signs off the calculation if they are happy with the work done and scrutinised. I also did a lot of prospecting work which involved manipulating data in excel to get data for our overseas teams.

Yes! I developed my python coding skills by working as part of the demographic horizons team, and my excel formula skills and excel skills by working on excel roughly every day of my internship. I also developed my explanation skills as I needed to explain my questions in a simple way so that everyone could understand what I was asking and why I was asking it. I developed my leadership skills by being the project manager for our ESG project which was tough but enjoyable!

Yes, to an extent. I was kindly given the opportunity to get involved with any breadth of work I was interested in that was available. Of course, the work was checked and scrutinised but that is the same as any work that is completed at Aon as Aon is a reputable company which ensures the quality of its work, I got involved with some quite difficult work, but there was always someone I could and did go to help when I got stuck.

I received lots of support and guidance during my internship, not just from my connector (an Aon employee who helps interns and new starters to get settled in and helps with any questions), or my manager but also all the employees were really willing and kind with helping me which really helped me to develop my skills as I didn't feel uncomfortable to ask for help which is definitely a key merit to the culture at Aon.

Absolutely fantastic. We regularly went out for lunch as a team and I got the chance to socialise with people I hadn't seen before which lead to newfound connections. I always felt comfortable to speak with everyone at Aon, even across different departments. The people in the leeds office were incredibly nice to me and bubbly, we also regularly had meetings across lunch and subsequently we received pret lunch sandwich platters and snacks which I absolutely loved, and something I'll miss.

I loved my internship and hope to return next year, I had the opportunity to get involved with really important work, with clients I recognised as massive businesses that people buy from daily. I tried to go into office as much as possible, usually 4 days a week as I worked hybrid working, which I appreciated and if I wanted to I could have worked more days from home, but the benefits of working in the office such as the social aspects were more than worth the commute.

Yes

Apply early. I applied in september for the diversity programme in actuarial consulting which fast tracked me part of the way to the summer internship which meant I did not need to do the psychometric tests. Get meaningful experience, this does not need to be in actuarial work but social and interpersonal skills are so important as a consultant and something you need to show to Aon if you want to join, set yourself apart from the crowd by going above and beyond.