Steve
University: University of Essex
Degree: Maths with Economics
Joined Aon: 2008
Graduate Scheme: Investment Consulting
Current job title: Investment Analyst
Steve’s Profile
Investment Consulting
My current role is within the investment practice of Aon Hewitt, which sits within the Aon Corporation. I mainly spend my time between an internal global role, which focuses on strategy and new products and ventures, and then the more traditional investment consulting in the pension funds space.
I’d say the key skills to be a successful Investment Consultant is sort of matching up quite a strong academic background and being able to communicate with a wide range of people. I think it’s sometimes easy to forget that we are essentially a consultancy division, or a consultancy practice, so that sort of communication side of things is as important, if not more so than being able to do the fundamental sort of technical investment piece.
I’ve had a few highlights but probably my main one was that I managed to get to Chicago back in April which was probably the busiest working week I’ve had, but the novelty didn’t wear off so that was a big highlight for me.
I’d strongly recommend the programme to a friend because I think the overall package of the program is what’s most attractive. The remuneration is good, the study package is really strong and I think it’s the best in the city and the work/life balance in the job is stimulating and it’s rewarding to be paid to study and to get further qualifications, to be able to work in nice offices with really bright people and continue development down that path.
A typical day for me would probably start at about eight thirty. We’d often have a couple of meetings in the morning which I’ve probably prepared for the previous day, and then my afternoon would often be action points sort of coming out of that meeting and they will cover general projects and then more investment specific, portfolio specific meetings and similarly at the end of the day I’d typically work until about between six and half past seven.
The most rewarding aspect of my job is probably the balance between study, work and home life. I mean it is a really tough balance to strike but Aon make it as easy as I think is possible to do that. You get your full study package, you get days off every couple of weeks and professional training and then on top of that the manager is normally pretty sensible when it comes to busy periods. There are exams and I’d say we all work really hard but it’s just, there’s always a nice balance to it.
Since I started I’ve been studying towards the CFA qualification, the Charted Financial Analyst. I managed to take and pass a couple of the exams so I’ve just got one left so I’m hoping I’ll qualify about this time next year.
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Tobias
- University: London School of Economics and Political Science
- Degree: MSc Economic History/Anthropology
- Joined Aon: 2009
- Graduate Scheme: Investment Consulting Analyst
- Current job title: Investment Analyst
Why did you join Aon?
The opportunity to do something different attracted me to Aon. I didn’t have a background in a quantitative subject (apart from economics at undergraduate level) and my postgraduate course focused on the economic history of China and East Asia. But that was never a problem. I found that if you show passion for the work, the excellent training opportunities can overcome any shortfall. I’ve completed my Investment Management Certificate (IMC) and am now working towards my Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification. There are plenty of opportunities to learn from consultants and principal consultants. The finance industry is a steep learning curve, so ask lots of questions – there aren’t any stupid questions, just stupid answers!
What does a typical day involve for you?
When I first arrive in the office I typically check the morning market movements and the headlines in the FT. I support principal consultants with investment work for clients, but I’m also part of the commercial team which generates new clients and revenue. So every day differs and is usually determined by the project I’m working on – and the urgency. Since joining, I’ve enjoyed both client and non-client work. Typical client work involves writing reports that can cover anything from transfer of assets to selecting new fund managers. The latter is a golden opportunity to meet and learn about different fund managers and their particular investment strategies.
In the afternoon, I often catch up with colleagues to track progress of other projects and divide up tasks.
I spend the remainder of the afternoon prioritising my work for the next day and answering any other urgent emails.
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Emma
- University: Warwick
- Degree: Maths
- Joined Aon: 2009
- Current job title: Investment Associate
My Aon Experience
I first joined Aon as a summer intern before my final year at university. A major attraction was that they are one of the largest actuarial consulting firms and I thought it would give me great career opportunities.
The internship gave me an excellent insight into the sort of work I would be doing as a graduate and a much greater understanding of the firm. It also highlighted all the opportunities and support that is given to help you settle in as well as professional development. As a graduate you’re provided with a comprehensive study support package and can be sponsored through the Actuarial Finance MSc at Imperial College if you decide that actuarial studies are the route you wish to take.
My first two years have been a steep learning curve, as there is so much to learn in a relatively short space of time. However, the support given to everyone is invaluable, whether it's regular training sessions or just colleagues helping with your development on a day-to-day basis. The size of the company also means there are opportunities to work on a wide range of clients ranging from small clients where I can take lots of responsibility through to large clients with complex investment strategies where I work as part of a larger team.
My role involves providing support to consultants advising on the investment of pension fund assets. This covers a large range of tasks from helping resolve day-to-day client queries, to the selection of new investment managers, drafting papers around investment strategy or different asset classes, or the movement of assets between different managers. I'm also responsible for producing quarterly monitoring reports for my clients, which provide an update on their investments, as well as market movements and changes to their portfolios.
My main aim for the next five years is to complete my professional qualifications. Within this time, I also hope that I will be approaching consultant level and will be advising some of our smaller clients.