Investment Consulting Intern Review

Overall I really enjoyed the internship, mainly because my colleagues were friendly. I think the timing of the internship meant that there were plenty of opportunities to network and socialize. I also thought that it gave me a good and accurate insight into what a full time job at Aon would be like.

I appreciated the fact that the team all took time to explain concepts to me or answer any questions I had. I think it would have been beneficial if they were slightly more prepared for my arrival by thinking of work, of an appropriate technical level, that they could delegate to me.

I thought that the formal system in place with a manager and buddy was very useful in knowing who to talk to if you had any issues. But I also felt comfortable to ask any questions that I had to colleagues in my team as they were all very approachable.

It varied. To begin with, workflow was very light and I constantly had to ask to be given work because I don't think my colleagues had prepared anything to set me. However I thought this was good as it gave me a chance to learn and read a bit before I got busier.

I think the responsibility I was given increased a bit by the end of the internship which is right because to begin with I didn't have a very deep understanding of the industry and the work that my team did. I think this could have been facilitated with a bit more technical training during the internship induction.

I think I learnt a lot about the industry and picked up some useful skills such as making charts on excel and editing on power point. I also think learning to work within a team spread over different UK offices through the CSR project was a valuable experience and really helped develop my teamwork and communication skills.

It was quite professional for example even in the heat there was a very limited dress down policy. However, this was understandable as the office I was working was the global hq. I also liked the open plan space as it makes colleagues seem more approachable and facilitates communication between teams.

Overall it was good and there was quite a clear structure with the induction at the start and the CSR presentation day toward the end of the internship. However, the organisation regarding receiving offers isn't up to scratch as interns are given a vague period of 3 weeks in which we will find out our final offer status. This is quite inconvenient for many interns as many have holidays and other plans immediately after the internship which make it more difficult to receive calls.

I think the main training for interns was the weekly lunch and learns which I don't think were particularly helpful. For example the ones on a particular part of a business were not aimed at a specific group and as a result some were hard to follow where as others just contained repeated information. I think more technical training aimed at specific internship streams would have been more useful.

I think the main draw of the graduate role with Aon is the level of training and support they give you in terms of preparing for professional qualifications, through study days and materials. I also think that the organisation promotes a healthy work life balance for employees which is very attractive.

There was a very good social aspect to the internship with weekly drinks organised by the interns. I think this was facilitated by the fact that we got to know other interns through the CSR project. It was also helpful that the internship took place in the summer as it meant that offices in Aon had also organised summer parties and socials.

I was in London so obviously drinks, rent and eating out is very expensive.

London has so many options so I can't really complain there.

I was aware of certain sporting events such as football and netball tournaments for Aon colleagues across the UK but engagement greatly varied between teams. I think activities like these are great but were very poorly advertised. The volunteering day was a good experience as it allowed me to get to know colleagues in an informal environment.