Jelena secured an investment consulting internship with Aon last summer, and was kind enough to tell us a little bit about the process, as well as share some top tips with other Bright Network members. She heard about the role after checking her emails from Bright Network, and is in her final year of Maths at the University of Warwick.
Why did you choose an investment consulting internship at Aon?
I heard about the excellent training programme at Aon, and how much they value their interns and graduates. I had also attended the 'Women in Investment and Actuarial Consulting' at Aon, organised by Bright Network. After networking with Aon employees, and learning more about Investment Consulting, I decided to apply for the internship.
What was the toughest part of the application process? And your favourite part?
The toughest part of the application process was definitely the assessment centre. This lasted for a whole day, and included an interview, two group exercises and a presentation. Although this was the toughest part of the whole process, I'd also say it was the most enjoyable part. If you prepare well in advance, you're able to enjoy the day, and get to know some of the graduates at Aon and fellow applicants.
Were you surprised by anything in the process?
I was fairly surprised by how friendly everyone was at the assessment centre. I thought the other applicants would be very competitive and for it to be a 'dog eats dog' process, but it really wasn't. Everyone was very supportive, including the employees at Aon, who asked how I was doing and how I felt the assessment centre was going throughout the day.
What three top tips would you give your fellow Bright Network members?
Prepare well in advance for your assessment centre by reading the news regularly and keeping up to date with the division you are applying to. Chat and be friendly to everyone at the assessment centre, this will show the assessors that you're inclusive and enjoy working with others. Ask yourself: 'Do I really want to work for this company/division? What are my reasons for applying?'. The application process is very long, so you have to genuinely want to work for a company in order to succeed during the application process.
What's your lucky charm or pre-interview ritual?
I usually drink lots of water and remind myself that the firm must think that I'm suitable for the role I'm applying to, otherwise I wouldn't be at this stage in the process!
