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Chris

  • University: Aston University
  • Degree: BSc International Business and Modern Languages (French)
  • Joined Aon: September 2011
  • Graduate Scheme: Aon Global Risk Consulting
  • Current job title: Graduate Trainee

Why did you join Aon?

Like many graduates, I was eager for my first professional challenge. But I wanted it in a high-performing and reputable organisation that would give me great experience in an exciting industry, plus the chance to work abroad. Aon ticked these boxes and I was also impressed with the way they give graduates the training, support and expertise needed to develop both personally and professionally – particularly the help to gain an insurance qualification.

What does a typical day involve for you?

At Aon in Guernsey, my work and exposure has been incredibly diverse, thanks to our extensive range of captive clients. I’ve recently spent a lot of time making claim payments, reviewing claims and judging whether a given claim should be covered by the insurance policy held by the captive. This has given me a real insight into the process from when a claim is made to how it is dealt with by us as insurance managers and, finally, to how the insured receives compensation for their loss.

Being in a client-focused environment, my daily schedule can change suddenly to accommodate client meetings. As well as helping to prepare presentations and parts of Board papers arising from meetings, I’ve been fortunate enough to sit in on a few Board meetings with some of Aon’s largest captive clients. This has really brought home how we, as captive managers, are able to provide the best insurance programmes and services for our clients.

I’m working towards my ACII qualification so I’m doing additional studying outside my normal 9-5 hours. It’s extremely beneficial being able to take the knowledge from my studies into the workplace. I’ve really enjoyed my first few months: my colleagues have been a great source of support and the work’s been really stimulating. Now, I’m looking forward to a six-month placement in Malta.

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Diarmuid

  • University: National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
  • Degree: Bachelor Commerce (Specialising in Economics) & Master Business Studies (MBS) in Corporate Strategy & People Management
  • Joined Aon: August 2011
  • Graduate Scheme: Aon Global Risk Consulting
  • Current job title: Graduate Trainee

Why did you join Aon?

Aon deals with the two most important aspects in today’s world – risk and people – and I was convinced this combination would give me the challenging but rewarding career I craved. Aon is also a global leader in risk management services, so I’d be part of a company that’s continually expanding and innovating.

My training has certainly lived up to expectations. On-the-job learning, complemented by the Core Graduate Programme training, has helped me to develop professional skills and grow relationships with clients and colleagues. Next year, I’ll start studying for the International Diploma in Risk Management, the world-leading risk management qualification.

Your Aon experience to date

I work in the Finance division of the Captive & Insurance department of Aon Global Risk Consulting in Dublin. I focus on six clients, and much of my work involves liaising with several banks to roll out our clients’ investments and process payments on their behalf.

I also work on several internal and Aon Global Risk Consulting projects. This involves collating data, compiling reports, drawing conclusions and making recommendations. I also attend Audit & Investment Committee meetings for clients and Board Meetings, which have given me invaluable client-facing experience. I’ve also taken part in the Aon EMEA Innovation fund initiative, supporting the committee, which has allowed me to see at first hand the new products, services and process improvements being submitted and championed by colleagues across the region.

I’m already looking forward to my second placement in London at the time of the 2012 Olympic Games. This will accelerate my development through exposure to new services, products and colleagues. After the 18 months, I’m hoping to combine what I’ve learned in Consulting, Finance, Insurance and Compliance to move into a Global Risk Consulting position that will further build my capabilities.