Communications associate Review

My role includes various activities and involvement with different people. I am very involved in designing and writing content for products and services that Aon provides. This is a huge improvment on my previous placement at Aon where I had very very limited exposure to anything and was only asked to complete simple and mundane task. Howevee, now I am actively involved with tasks form all different sides of the team from designing, to researching

I have learnt so many new skills. One of the msot valuable I feel is how to deal wth all people and situations in a professional and acceptable manner in order to be able to accurately present my point of view. I have completed a Plain English course as well as my Certificate in insurance (Cert CII) There are also multiple courses on Aon University that are on offer, and managers tend to be willing to send you on any other courses you wish to go on as long as you find them

In my previous placement it was hard to say that I enjoyed it, as I was not treated as an equal or important part of the team. However, my new role is fantastic and the team have been so welcoming and make eveyr effort to include me and mak eme feel valued. The company culture is excellent, everything is very open and I even have a 1 to 1 with the CEO in the next few weeks! The hot desks and open pan offices make it very easy to interact with people from all over the business

In recent weeks I have felt very appreciated. I am shown grattitude from my manager regularly and praised by my colleagues wherever neccessary which is very encouraging. On a larger internal basis I have networked very well and I feel very valued by other individuals across the wider organisation. I have had inovolvement in some very large scale, market break through projects and my opinion and input has been valued throughout (prehaps osmetimes more than other senior members!)

The structure and organisation of the programme lets it down slightly. I feel as though it is a little bit messy, and it doesnt erelaly become clear until about 10 months down the line. The training side has always been quite last minute and not particularly well planned and the structure of the actual apprenticeship still seems a bit hazey and like noones completely sure what it is that we should be doing.

I had very limited support from my other manager but my new manager is excellent and provides offical monthly one on ones as well as weekly catch ups. Moreover, I have a mentor who is really good at helping me with every day problems and difficulties that may not be as work related and more to do with my wider career. I also have various other people in the busines that I can rely on to provide advice and introductions to help to advance my career

As an overall at Aon i have recieved quite limited amounts of help and guidance and it has mostly been off my own back - which has been character building and probably helped me in the long run. My old manager offered very very limited help, however my new manager is fantastic. HR have been off the scale busy and so were also not the biggest help when trying to move teams. However, various individual sinbt he business took responsibility for my welfare and chose to mentor me and help to guid eme through all of these issues.

my salary is very poor. I bring home just over £1000 a month, but travelling to London takes approx £350 off of this. I pay £170 rent a month, and pay for car insurance and mobile phone bills. Additionally, London prices are obviously sky high so this also adds up. It is very very hard to save and make it through the month and I feel like working in London your salary should be £20k minimum

there are a few and I have been invited ot a number of market events which have been really food for networking and expanding my contact list.Theres also an internal events group called Aonlink which is psecifically targeting the younger crowd which is also really good, and offers events at local places where there is usually free food or drink for a period of time and it really gives you a chance to mingle with like minded individuals who could provide advice or guidance in your career

Yes

It is a really good company to get to know insurance in and to learn how the market works. There are so many different teams in different places that it provides such a large knowledge scope and overview that it is really good for someone starting their career. Its also very easy to meet people in other teams and explore your optiona, most managers actively encourage networking and expanding your business knoiwledge to help the team

Be yourself in the interviews. do not appear to try and be completely corporate and no personality, Aon are looking for the outgoing ambitious individuals who can hold a conversaion and show excitement! Insurance is all about socialising and connecting with people so you need confidence and some energy. However, dont come across too cocky or arrogant, theyre looking for people to mould and shape, you dont want to appear as though this couldnt be you