Analyst, Trainee Investment Specialist Review

My day to day activities are varied as I work on a Client Team within the Investment Practice, our work revolves around meeting client requirements and needs. As an analyst, our role is to assist the consultants. We do this through creating reports for our clients, communicating with fund managers to obtain data/information, client administration and management (making sure everything is up to date e.g. bank details, signatory lists). There are also some bespoke tasks that arise from specific client needs, if there is a certain amount of money that needs to be disinvested, it is our responsibilty to arrange for this to happen.

I have developed lots of existing skills as well as learnt new skills. I have developed my Excel skills, with lots of supportive colleagues around me I now have greater knowledge of Excel and understand more complex formulas which allow me to make high level spredsheets of a professional standard. My professional communication skills have also naturally developed, I am constantly communicating with senior consultants as well as fund managers in a professional manner, this environment allows my communication skills to develop very quickly. A lot of the new skills I learnt involve Aon's internal processes and how the day to day tasks which I am responsible for are carried out. Understanding processes and being able to use the bespoke tools is essential for a new joiner, and developing these skills increases efficiency in the workplace.

I must say that I extremely enjoy my programme, this has been the same throughout my whole journey from onboarding to my current 6 months at Aon. Not only did I get my foot into my dream career, I also met some amazing people along the way. Despite my age as a school leaver, at Aon you really are treated in the same way as other colleagues, you are part of the team you work in. There is no distance created due to the age gap, everyone is really supporting and values my presence as an apprentice.

The structure of Aon's apprenticeship programme is very well organised. During the induction period everything is explained thoroughly and I was given a deep understanding of how the apprenticeship programme works. My responsibilities and key areas which need focus have been made aware to me right from the beginning. The Early Careers Team at Aon is very friendly and are always willing to have a chat and answer any questions which I have.

I receive lots of support from my employer, everyone on my team always mentions that if I need anything from them with regards to my apprenticeship, I am always welcome to have a sit down with them. When any training courses come around, my colleagues always make me aware of them to see if I'm interested, they are really supportive in my development of skills and knowledge which will help me progress in my role.

Over my first 6 months, I have received adequate support from the training provider. At my induction, there was a Fitch representative which explained how the programme works and what is expected of me in order to pass my qualifications. I have a bespoke Fitch Learning Portal, this is where my online study materials are accessible, as well as Class Notes, Learning Videos and practice tests and exam questions in order to prepare me for my exams. Fitch have also provided an online E-Track system, this is where I upload all my evidence to build my portfolio which will be submitted towards the end of my apprenticeship, this ensures that I have met all my learning objectives which are required for me to pass the apprenticeship. The admin team at Fitch is very friendly and are always keen to answer any questions, they send out reminders and any additional material which we may find useful.

My qualification helps me perform better in my role as it is directly linked to the area in which I work in. All of the goals which I am requried to meet over the course of my apprenticeship directly correspond to my role. Through achieving and exceeding my apprenticeship goals, I therefore develop in my role. Considering that I have to show evidence of me achieving these objectives and goals through submitting pieces of work which I have done, it shows that the objectives are specifically tailored to my role and therefore progressing my apprenticeship also means that I am progressing my career.

There are a number of extra-cirricular activites which you can take part in. There is football every Tuesday which anyone can take part in, as well as a football tournament each year where the departments compete against eachother. Every year, there is an Aon football and netball competition, this competition is nation wide (offices will compete against eachother). There is a yoga class in the office each week and lots of networking events which anyone can attend.

Yes

I would recommend Aon to a friend as it is a fantastic company to work for. The structure and system for new joiners is very well thought out and really allows you to prepare for you first months at Aon. When you join you get assigned a Buddy and a Connector, these are your go-to colleagues should you have any issues or worries. I have regular catch ups with my Buddy to see how I'm finding things and my general experience at Aon (not directly work related, but also on the social side of things and how I'm settling in). My Connector helps me with the more work related side of things, if I'm struggling with some work or would like an insight on a certain process he is always there for me to go to. Aon is a great company which promotes diversity and inclusion in every aspect of the practice, which allows you to develop your professional career and your relationship with the people around the office, and across the UK.

The main piece of advice I would give to others applying to Aon is to be yourself. Aon really value how you come across as a person to see if you will fit in the team, it's not all about the top grades. If you do your research into Aon you will realise the benefits you enjoy and the various career paths you can take. If you feel like Aon is the right company for you, during your application process you really have to go out there and show that you're worth it.