The Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies has kicked off its summer networking season with two flagship events — its Bermuda “Intro to Insurance” internships and June speed-networking lunch.

The charity, which has been connecting local talent to the insurance industry since 1996, arranged for five students to visit more than 25 Bermuda companies over a three-week period.

The Bermuda intern programme is sponsored by Allied World.

The internships provide the university students with the opportunity to learn about the insurance and reinsurance industries and careers that would suit their goals.

BFIS also offers overseas internships in London and Chicago in programmes sponsored by Axa XL.

Bermuda participants were Ross Cooper (University of British Columbia, Canada), Finn Moseley (McKendree University, United States), Hannah Jones (University of Leeds, England) and Jade Stewart (Seneca College, Toronto, Canada). They were joined by Illinois State University student Paul Dunlap.

"This internship has been an incredible opportunity to lay the foundation of my career in the dynamic world of insurance in the Bermuda market, providing me with a comprehensive introduction to various aspects of the field,” said one of the participating interns.

“Working closely with industry professionals, I was able to grasp the intricate workings of insurance/reinsurance policies, risk assessment, and underwriting and broker practices.

“The Bermuda market, known for its robust and innovative insurance landscape, presented me with a unique opportunity to witness first-hand how insurance companies operate in a global marketplace.

“This internship broadened my knowledge and equipped me with valuable skills and insights that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavours in the insurance industry."

A BFIS spokesman added: “This is the magic of BFIS — that it provides interns a close-up look inside Bermuda’s insurance companies, while also helping them make valuable connections with industry leaders and professionals.

“We are tremendously grateful to the companies which hosted our interns, which included: Aeolus, AIG, Allianz Risk Transfer (Bermuda), Allied World Assurance Company, Appleby, Argo, Ariel Re, Ascot, Aspen, Athene, Axa XL, the Bermuda Monetary Authority, BF&M, Canopius, Conduit Re, Convex, Coralisle Group, Fidelis, Hannover Re, L&F Indemnity Limited, Liberty Mutual, Martello Re, Mosaic Insurance, Renaissance Re, and Willis Towers Watson. The mentor programme is kindly sponsored by Aon.”

To cap off the Bermuda internships, a networking lunch was held for the interns, as well as BFIS scholars and mentees. More than 60 people attended this networking lunch at Axa XL.

“The BFIS speed-networking event provided me with an opportunity to connect with professionals and students in various careers that I may not have met ordinarily,” a student said. “I personally enjoyed mingling with like-minded peers and developing a diverse network of talent.”

Also in attendance were students who will be interning in London and Chicago in July.