Meet Ilya, Graduate Catastrophe Research Analyst at Aon

What stood out to you about Aon?

Aon stood out to me due to its global reputation in risk management and insurance solutions. Also, the company's commitment to innovation and providing comprehensive data analytics to address complex risks was particularly appealing. I was drawn to the opportunity to work with industry leaders and utilise my background in seismic risk to contribute towards meaningful projects.

Describe your role at Aon 

My role involves analysing data related to natural disasters, with a focus on earthquakes. I develop and evaluate models to predict potential impacts and work closely with the team to provide insights that help clients mitigate risks. My work includes conducting research and staying updated with the latest science in my field.

What do you find most interesting about your industry?

It’s dynamic nature! The continuous evolution of risks due to climate change and other factors means there's always something new to learn and analyse. Additionally, the application of cutting-edge technology and data analytics to predict and mitigate these risks is incredibly fascinating.

What skills are useful in your role?

Data analysis, probabilistic modelling and a strong understanding of natural disasters. Attention to detail, problem-solving and proficiency in programming languages like R or Python are also essential.

What training have you received?

I’ve received specialised training in insurance by obtaining a Certificate in Insurance from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), as well as ongoing professional development to stay current with industry trends. Additionally, I received support from Aon to obtain a Certified Extreme Event Modeler (CEEM) accreditation from Verisk.

What do you find most rewarding and most challenging about your role?

The most rewarding part of my role is knowing that the work I do helps protect communities and businesses from the devastating impacts of natural disasters. The most challenging aspect is the complexity of accurately predicting these events and the pressure to provide precise and actionable insights.

What three top tips would you give to students wanting to follow in your footsteps?

1. Develop strong analytical and statistical skills – these are crucial in catastrophe research and risk management.
2. Stay curious and keep learning – the field is always evolving, and continuous education is key to staying ahead.
3. Gain practical experience through internships or projects – hands-on experience is invaluable and helps to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.