Empower Results® Life on the School Leavers Programmethoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com/Documents/... · Life on the School Leavers Programme Matt, 2012 intake Why did you choose

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Life on the School Leavers ProgrammeGeorgia, 2012 intake

Why did you choose the Aon Benfield School Leavers Programme?

A friend recommended the programme to me and after doing a little research it seemed like a good opportunity and something that I would enjoy doing. The scheme also seemed to offer good development opportunities with lots of support and mentoring.

Did you ever consider the traditional university route?

Yes I considered it, but as I was unsure of what exactly I wanted to study it felt like it would be a waste of time and money to go just for the sake of it.

How have you found the work life balance?

There is a good balance between work and life, which I easily adapted to. I’ve made some good friends, which allows me to merge my working life with my social life, and makes the workplace an enjoyable place to be.

How did you find the recruitment process and how did you prepare for it?

To prepare, I researched the company and reinsurance in general. My granddad worked in marine insurance so I spent some time speaking with him. The recruitment process was very friendly, and helpful information was given. Despite feeling quite daunted at first, we were made to feel very comfortable at the assessment centre.

If you could give one piece of advice to a prospective School Leaver trainee, what would it be?

My advice would be to not feel overwhelmed by all the information you take in, as it is definitely not as scary as it seems once you have joined and have learned what is required in the role.

Applications for the 2014 intake close on Friday 28th March.

To apply visit our recruitment website at jobs.aon.com and search for the Aon Benfield School Leavers Programme.

If you have any questions, email [email protected]

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Life on the School Leavers ProgrammeLaila, 2012 intake


I knew I wanted a fulfilling career, but didn’t want to go to uni. The Programme has training and industry qualifications to take so I knew I would be still learning but also earning at the same time.

How did you find the recruitment process?

Although still intensive, there was a friendly vibe during at the assessment centre, when compared to other school leaver programmes ones. Nothing was too difficult and I felt the focus was more on you and what you can bring to the company.

What have been the highlights of your experience at Aon Benfield?

Gaining my Cert CII qualification and the Aon Benfield charity bike ride from Paris to London.

What is the social side like?

There are a number of people of a similar age to me, so I’ve made many friends. There’s a lot going on be it after-work drinks, lunches or the U35s club, so I often feel I haven’t really missed out too much on the social side of university. As mentioned earlier last summer I also went on the Paris to London cycle ride, which was an amazing experience. It also gave me a chance to meet many new people in the company who I don’t work with day to day.


Don’t be shy to ask questions, I know it’s cliché but no question is a silly one. People are more than willing to explain things that you don’t understand, and they can only do this if you ask.




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Life on the School Leavers ProgrammeMatt, 2012 intake


I chose the programme because it was an opportunity to join a company with a worldwide reputation without the need for a university degree and the heavy levels of debt.


Yes, I gained a place at the university of my choice and was mentally prepared to go before I found out about the programme. After much deliberation I felt that joining Aon Benfield would be a great choice.

Of course, gaining a degree can be highly beneficial, but gaining real work experience in an industry made the programme hard to turn down.

How have you found the work life balance?

I’ve found the work/life balance fairly comfortable. Everyone within the company has been very welcoming and helped me to settle in quickly.


Getting to know my colleagues and the feeling that I am starting to get to grips with certain parts of reinsurance is very satisfying

If you could give one piece of advice to a prospective school leaver trainee, what would it be?

The best advice I could give if you’re thinking of applying to the programme would be to always ask questions about anything that isn’t obvious or immediately clear.




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Life on the School Leavers ProgrammeLouis, 2010 intake


The programme offered the route into full-time employment I was looking for after my A-levels. Working for the biggest broker of reinsurance in the world is definitely something you want on your CV.


Yes I did. I had my heart set on studying Geography at Royal Holloway University in London, but I thought the entry requirements were perhaps beyond my ability. I was tired of conventional education and wanted a new challenge.


In November 2012 I travelled to Finland to meet with one of the clients I am responsible for, and this was a brilliant learning experience.


I’ve worked hard over the past few years and it has paid off—getting involved with clients has meant I have attended a three-day mountain biking event in Wales, go-karting in Sandown Park, and numerous client/reinsurer dinners in London. I’m lucky to be friends with the other trainees who enjoy regularly going out after work.


Do everything to the best of your ability and remain enthusiastic—this proves your capabilities and motivation to work, and once your team see this, they will support you further and want you involved.




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Life on the School Leavers ProgrammeTom, 2010 intake


I was already aware of Aon Benfield and the wider Aon Group, and I knew that they had an excellent reputation in the sector. The programme was recommended by a number of family members and friends, and it seemed clear that it would be a great way to develop a career in this industry.


I went to college for a year after leaving school and completed a foundation degree in Products and Graphic Design. On finishing the degree I realised that it wasn’t for me and that I was more interested in pursuing vocational training, so I decided to see what other opportunities were available.


My best experiences have come from the opportunities to travel and meet new people. I have been fortunate to have had a number of opportunities to travel to various countries on business, as well as attend market conferences.


Great. Insurance and reinsurance are sectors where socialising is encouraged, and working for a company such as Aon Benfield presents a number of social opportunities, given its size and the role it plays in this industry.


Always ask questions and don’t be afraid to challenge situations and opinions if you feel it is necessary.




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Life on the School Leavers ProgrammeToby, 2013 intake


I chose the Aon Benfield School Leavers Programme as it gave me a chance to earn money whilst working towards industry qualifications.


I did; I had applied to university as my Sixth Form made it almost compulsory to at least apply. However I was not that keen as I wanted to leave education and finally earn some money.


The social highlight would be our Christmas party. However one of the biggest work-related highlights has to be the speed in which you are enrolled on the whole process. I feel like I’m a valued member of the team and play an important role.


Great. My team took me out very early on so I could get to know them all, which was useful as it made work in the office easier because I felt I could ask people questions more freely. I have also recently signed up for the Cycle2Work scheme which is a great opportunity to get involved in some of Aon’s charitable work such as their annual Charity Bike Ride.


Get as involved as you can with your team and never turn down any opportunities to go out and socialise unless you have upcoming exams. Also take down as many notes as possible when learning from colleagues and ask questions if you don’t understand.


