The Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers member companies are hosting a record 91 paid interns in their Bermuda offices.

And to add value, Abir is facilitating an Intern working group for networking and other industry learning opportunities.

Marc Grandisson, chairman of Abir and chief executive of Arch Capital Group Ltd., said: “Through internships, mentoring and education, Abir’s member companies open doors of opportunity for Bermuda’s young people to start their journey towards gaining a first job and building a career.”

John Huff, president and chief executive of Abir, said: “It’s great to see so many young Bermudians taking these opportunities to work with global re/insurance companies here on island, learning skills and making connections that will help them in their future careers.

“Abir and our member companies are committed to developing local talent, as we continue to build a diverse, inclusive and sustainable workforce.”

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ABIR Press Release - 2022-0724 - ABIR member companies welcome 91 interns.pdf

Executive coach Dr Crystal Clay with Olive Branch Consulting, advised interns on how to network effectively, in person and via social media, and to “build their brand” during a learning breakfast at The Cloud restaurant, sponsored by Fortitude Re.

Andrew Sooboodoo, Chief Risk Officer of Fortitude Re, said: “By partnering with Abir, we have provided this cohort with further education on the reinsurance industry as well as tangible business skills. We look forward to continuing to support this important initiative.”

The first Abir Scholars, 2022 Bermuda College graduates Kallan Richardson, the Abir/Arch Scholar, and Miguel Simas, the Abir/RenaissanceRe Scholar, received their awards at the reception.

The two-year scholarships will fund their tuition at St. John’s University’s Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management Insurance and Actuarial Science in New York.

David Burt, the Premier, said: “The Government looks forward to continuing to collaborate with Abir and all of our partners in international business to continue to nurture and develop Bermudian talent and provide even more opportunities for young Bermudians to have a career in this industry.”

Abir also organised an ‘Intern to Industry’ Q&A session and networking reception, hosted by Aon.

Other activities of the Working Group included: production of “A Day in the Life of an Intern” video; a photoshoot with Focus Point Photography to provide interns with professionally taken headshots courtesy of Abir; a reef clean-up at Ferry Reach – Abir partnered with Dive Bermuda and Keep Bermuda Beautiful

Ashley Pacheco, who is interning with the property team at Aon, said: “Dr Clay’s networking session was amazing. It’s not something we learnt in school, how you should act, how to take a proper headshot.”

Cree Dunn is interning at PartnerRe, working in the legal, corporate communications and underwriting departments.

She said: “I found the networking session very beneficial. It gave us a roadmap to market ourselves, which is important to us, as professionals.”

Nazarah Bridgewater, interning at Aon, said of the ‘Intern to Industry’ event: “It was nice to hear the stories of successful people in the insurance field who were all in my exact position a few years ago.

“I liked their honesty, saying ten years ago they would never have thought they would be on the path they are on now.”

Reihonna Lema, interning at Everest Re, said: “The ‘Intern to Industry’ event was very engaging and thought provoking, and also created a stimulating environment to learn and engage with panellists and peers.”

Argo Group will host the Interns Working Group closing reception on August 2.

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