For the past five years, a fruitful collaboration between the Murray Koppelman School of Business and Aon, a leading global professional services firm, has been preparing students for careers in risk management, insurance, and finance. The two are a perfect match. Aon wanted to work with an institution recognized as an engine for social mobility, and Brooklyn College sought a company that could offer students a pipeline to professional success. Together, by aligning coursework with industry trends and supporting students through mentorship, funding, and internships, Brooklyn College and Aon are shaping students’—and the industry’s—future. Cutting-Edge Courses Students in a Koppelman School of Business risk management class were joined recently by recruiters from Aon. Since the program began, the Koppelman School of Business has worked with Aon and the Spencer Educational Fund to develop risk management courses relevant to the current industry climate. Through revolutionary, expert-informed coursework, students gain the knowledge needed to succeed in the field. Alumni now working in the industry attest to how their classes helped them advise their clients. “The curriculum taught me invaluable skills that aid me in my current role, enabling me to guide my clients to make data-driven decisions,” says Denis Torlic ’19, now senior vice president of private equity health solutions at Aon. “It pushed me to a place outside my comfort zone, and it was then that I made the most progress.” Ismet Ibadullayev ’14, associate director of pricing at Aon, agrees. “My role is driven by core mathematical concepts and programming skills that I started to learn and develop at Brooklyn College,” he says. “In fact, the only reason I am an actuary today is because I learned about the actuarial field in one of my math courses.” Boosting Social Mobility Students who excel in the classroom can later apply for coveted internships at Aon, where they will put their academic preparation into practice in the corporate world. These internships are integrated into the program’s pipeline structure to lead students into becoming full-time employees at Aon. Alumni are grateful for how the experience influenced their career trajectory. Tetiana Skrekoten ’22, assistant vice president at Aon, notes how the experience helped her advance her career. “Brooklyn College provided an incredible opportunity for me and my career by teaming up with Aon,” she says. “I was recommended to take the fundamentals of risk management and insurance class with Professor [Yedhua L.] Klein and ended up interning with Aon. After the internship, I received a full-time offer in mergers and acquisitions, which I enjoy and have been doing since. I am very grateful to Brooklyn College and Aon for supporting my career development.” Reaching Their Full Potential Brooklyn College interns give back to Aon through their active participation in the company’s business resource groups, engagement in mentor programs, and community volunteer work. Interns help connect the company with people in need. Thus, Aon is incentivized to help both in the classroom and financially. Every semester, Aon provides full course tuition awards for up to 25 students enrolled in these courses with GPAs of 3.00 or higher, with at least 50% of the scholarship recipients being from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds. Without having to worry about paying for classes, students are better equipped to start climbing the corporate ladder before they even graduate. Each award allows students to focus on their studies and future careers without the burden of tuition costs. These scholarships are more than just financial assistance—they give students the opportunity to reach their full potential. From the Classroom to the Real World Ismet Ibadullayev ’14 and Dilfuza Saidova ’22 Aon’s commitment to students goes beyond the classroom. Aon colleagues also serve as mentors, offering students the opportunity to learn directly from those who navigate the industry’s complexities each day. Aon leaders giving their time doesn’t just enrich students’ academic experience—it bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. When Aon professionals share their experience, it brings the profession to life and helps students imagine themselves making a real-world impact. “The program with Aon was pivotal, as it allowed me to gain valuable insights into the insurance industry. It was a crucial part of my senior year,” says Dilfuza Saidova ’22, an associate account executive at Aon. “The guidance I received not only helped me gain knowledge about the industry but furthered my interest in joining the company.” Saidova continues, “The experience allowed me to make meaningful connections, which helped me get where I am now. I am very grateful to Aon and Brooklyn College for guiding and helping students to achieve success.” Industry Insight Aaron Olson, executive vice president at Aon, speaks at an event at Aon’s New York City headquarters celebrating the launch of the Career Partners and Alumni Championship programs at Brooklyn College. Executive Vice President of Aon United Solutions Aaron Olson is just one example of the risk management experts helping students pave their career path. Olson, as the star of 2022’s Koppelman Executive-in-Residence Program, shared the insights he gained over his 25-year career by conducting guest lectures, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and consultations with both students and faculty. “We are focused on strengthening the curriculum, leveraging Aon’s expertise in helping organizations navigate risk and volatility; creating links between the school and our industry; and supporting talented students through tuition awards and future employment opportunities. As we strive to continue to build a resilient workforce, helping develop future talent is a key part of that effort,” says Olson. A Shared Vision Aon believes diverse and inclusive teams create better insights and solutions, deliver the best outcomes for clients, and are vital to ensuring long-term success. Brooklyn College helps the firm achieve this. Participating students have consistently brought their unique perspectives, enthusiasm, and experiences to their future work at Aon, furthering the firm’s mission and reflecting its values. Together, Brooklyn College and Aon make their shared vision of career readiness, opportunity, and social mobility a reality for all.
