Aon Graduate Programme 2027 - Catastrophe Modelling

About Catastrophe Modelling

Catastrophe Modelling is crucial within Aon Reinsurance, assisting insurers and reinsurers in understanding and managing the financial consequences of natural and human-made risks. Utilising commercial catastrophe models and Aon’s proprietary analytical tools, teams assess perils such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and cyber threats. These insights empower clients to make informed decisions regarding risk, capital, and reinsurance.

What the Role Involves

As a graduate, you will collaborate with a team of analysts possessing diverse backgrounds in science, economics, engineering, actuarial science, catastrophe modelling, and IT security. You will develop skills in data preparation and analysis, utilise Aon’s risk quantification tools and digital technologies, interpret model outputs, and effectively communicate insights to colleagues and clients. The role encourages critical thinking, questioning assumptions, and applying sound judgment, particularly when using AI-enabled tools and reviewing machine-generated outputs. Opportunities may arise to gain experience in specialist areas like Catastrophe Management, Cyber, model development, and model evaluation, involving rigorous testing and peer review of models, methodologies, and outputs.

Your Day-to-Day Activities

• Prepare, interpret, and quality-check client exposure, insurance, and claims data, investigating anomalies to ensure accuracy and traceability.
• Run catastrophe models to quantify the likelihood and potential impact of natural, cyber, and other human-made events.
• Analyse model outputs, identify patterns, and test scenarios to translate complex results into clear, client-focused insights.
• Evaluate how data quality, assumptions, portfolio changes, and input variables influence results, determining when expert review is necessary.
• Assess and validate vendor, internally developed, and AI-supported outputs, considering their methodologies, strengths, limitations, and relevance to client needs.
• Monitor significant catastrophe events and provide timely information to aid impact assessment and support sound decision-making.
• Research emerging risks, climate change, and developments in natural and cyber catastrophe risk to anticipate client impacts.
• Develop and maintain datasets, analytical tools, models, and client solutions, with opportunities to build proficiency in SQL, Python, data pipelines, and advanced analytics.
• Thoughtfully use tools like Copilot and analytics platforms, learning to refine prompts, tailor outputs, and verify the reliability and appropriateness of results.
• Collaborate inclusively with colleagues, academic institutions, and industry partners, valuing diverse perspectives to test ideas and foster innovative approaches.
• Coordinate analytical tasks, seek and apply feedback, and prepare presentations to communicate priorities and findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Your Development

As an Aon Graduate, you will join the Launch Programme, focusing on building the technical and professional capabilities required for the role. This includes data analysis and management, advanced analytics, SQL, Python, data governance and quality, and coordinating analytical workstreams. You will also develop confidence in using AI-enabled and digital tools responsibly, applying critical judgment and adapting outputs to client and business needs. These skills are developed through experience and support, not all are expected upon joining.

The programme comprises three core elements:

• Business Learning: Gain knowledge and understanding of your team and solution line through on-the-job experience.
• Centralised Learning: Participate in Aon Induction, monthly webinars, business skills training, and workshops to build knowledge of Aon, confidence, and your network.
• Professional Qualifications: You will be expected to complete our Go Further Apprenticeship programmes, with full support towards the Level 4 Diploma in Insurance from the CII (Chartered Insurance Institute) and beyond. This includes paid study leave and extensive study materials.

Your Career Beyond the Graduate Programme

Upon completing the formal graduate programme, you will continue to receive comprehensive support at Aon, including ongoing technical and business skills training, and support for professional qualifications. Regular performance feedback and working with your line manager towards promotions will aid your professional development and career progression.

Entry Requirements

• You must have, or be on track to achieve, a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in mathematics/statistics, finance/economics, sciences/technology, or a similar quantitative field.
• An interest in data, analytics, and digital tools is essential.
• Geography students, particularly those with GIS experience, may find this role appealing.
• Prior exposure to programming languages like Python or R is beneficial but not essential, as technical skills will be developed.
• We welcome applications from PhD or Master’s graduates, or candidates with equivalent experience.
• Successful candidates must demonstrate their right to work in the UK.

What We're Looking For

• Motivation and Ambition: A drive to pursue a career in Catastrophe Modelling in Reinsurance, with the ability to articulate your interest and its contribution to client outcomes.
• Curiosity and Learning Approach: Interest in the relationship between reinsurance and the global environment, eagerness to build new technical skills, and adaptability to evolving tools, risks, and priorities.
• Critical Thinking and Sound Judgement: Enjoyment of analysing information, asking targeted questions, challenging assumptions, and verifying outputs.
• Client and Commercial Awareness: Interest in understanding client needs, evaluating trade-offs, and connecting your analysis to broader business objectives.
• Clear Communication: Ability to explain complex ideas and analytical findings simply, relevantly, and engagingly.
• Ownership and Collaboration: Taking responsibility for delivery, seeking and applying feedback, sharing knowledge, and working effectively with diverse colleagues.
• Interest in Responsible Technology Use: Openness to using AI-enabled tools, analytics platforms, and digital productivity tools, while valuing human expertise, careful review, and client context.
• For Cyber: Curiosity and enthusiasm for the emerging area of cyber catastrophe risk quantification.

Locations

This role is based in our London office. For the first 6 months, you will be office-based to support your learning, development, and progression, enabling access to managers, collaboration with colleagues, and network growth. After this initial period, you will have the flexibility to work more flexibly, spending at least 3 to 4 days face-to-face in the Aon office or with clients.

Application Process

Applications are processed on a rolling basis. The stages include:

1. Application Review: Applications are reviewed by a team, not AI. This stage can take up to two weeks. CVs and cover letters are not reviewed at this point.
2. Online Assessment: You will have 5 calendar days to complete the assessment, with extensions available.
3. Video Interview: You will have up to 10 days to record and submit your video interview, reviewed by a recruitment team member.
4. Assessment Centres: Held in person at the London office, typically from mid-January. Candidates receive 7-14 days' notice. Reasonable travel costs are reimbursed.

Note: Not all candidates completing a video interview will be invited to an assessment centre due to the high volume of applications.

Aon's Guidance on AI Use

AI can be a helpful tool for research and preparation, but should support, not replace, your own thinking and experiences. Please refrain from using AI for assessments or interviews. Application materials should accurately reflect your achievements. Virtual or in-person interviews should not be recorded or transcribed.

Applying for Multiple Programmes

We ask candidates to submit one Early Careers application per recruitment cycle. If another opportunity may be a better fit, our recruitment team may discuss alternatives with you. If unsure, review programme information or attend events before applying. Choose the role you are most excited about.

For questions or accommodations, contact graduates@aon.co.uk.