University graduates who want to learn how to be managers and have the chance to work abroad as well now have the opportunity through the Bank of Bermuda?s Graduate Development Programme.

?We have always had a management training in the Bank of sorts, however recently it has been realigned to the HSBC Group Graduate Programme,? said Nicole Outerbridge, the Bank of Bermuda?s human resources relationship manager.

?With a global organisation like HSBC, opportunities are numerous, there are opportunities for secondments, short term assignments, and inter-jurisdictional transfers.?

?In 2006 we are going to become a lot more aggressive in our recruitment efforts to recruit young Bermudians and we are going to visit schools and universities, talking to students and building our relationships with them to attract them.

?Hopefully they will be happy to join us once they complete their studies as it is the Bank?s mission to be the employer of choice.?

The programme includes international exposure through an intensive seven-week course held at HSBC?s Group Management Training College, Bricket Wood in the UK.

The two-year programme aims to give an accelerated training and practical experience to those graduates who are interested in developing leadership skills, sales capabilities and product knowledge for a career in the financial services industry.

?Graduates are placed in any of the business divisions within the Bank whether it be Alternative Fund Services, Group Private Banking, Corporate Investment Banking, to name a few and they are allowed to circulate within these positions,? she said.

At the training college in the UK, the graduates will be exposed to HSBC higher management, participants from other HSBC jurisdictions ? enabling young executives to establish a global network of contacts, customer groups and hierarchies.

?Throughout the two years they will have the support and guidance of mentors in developing their careers and skills so they can become HSBC managers of the future,? she said.

The programme is designed for talented junior executives and lays the foundation for an executive career within the HSBC Group.

?We are currently accepting applications and will continue to do so until March, 2006 when the Bank will actively start the selection process.?

?We are looking for high calibre students with a minimum of a 3.4 GPA, strong communication and interpersonal skills, proven leadership and team-working skills and students who have high energy and are enthusiastic.?

The Graduate Development Programme is open to recent graduates with a Bachelors or Masters degree from a recognised college or university.

To apply e-mail a covering letter to bob.bda.recruitment.deptbob.hsbc.com, outlining why graduates are suitable applicants or call Ms Outerbridge at the Bank of Bermuda at 295-4000.