Bank of Bermuda's latest initiative to incorporate youth into "big business'' is a $30,000 scholarship with guaranteed employment during school breaks and two years employment after graduation.

The Financial Services Scholarship covers all aspects of banking with specific aims at recruiting young Bermudians into Bermuda's banking industry.

Donna Harvey Maybury, vice president, director of Human Resources Bermuda, said: "The scholarship covers so many areas -- many (areas) some don't even think of, like law. Economics, human resources, risk management.'' She said as long as the area of study is related to the banking field, the selection board will accept the application.

"This is the bank's commitment to young Bermudians -- helping young Bermudians start a career,'' said Mrs. Maybury.

"I think we all could realise the bank plays a part in our community,'' she said, noting how many people have family members, friends or associates working in the bank.

The scholarship was introduced last April and Lafayette University junior Jody Feldman was the first to pass the demanding selection process.

Zeta Psi Fraternity and Investment Club member, 21-year-old Jody said the scholarship helps him see beyond his economics major.

"As an economics major I thought that this was a great opportunity to try out different things.'' Jody spent two months during the summer employed in the bank's Investment Department and starts Christmas break employment in Private Client Services under David Lang.

"I figured I would apply for this scholarship because of its scope,'' Jody added.

Mrs. Maybury said: "He doesn't have to look around any where else for employment. We would find employment for him.

"After college, he will come back and serve for two years.'' Jody said the worst part of the selection was the interview: "I think I was very nervous going into the interview.'' Human Resources VP Mrs. Maybury laughed, saying the board members didn't want the interview to be nerve-wracking.

"It went very well though,'' Jody added.

Mrs. Maybury said: "I think the experience that we are giving him now will help him fit what he's looking for. And if it doesn't, we would sit down and look at setting up a programme for more exposure.'' Students can learn more about the scholarship and even submit applications on the bank's website at www.bankofbermuda.com/scholarships/financial.htm.