Turning 13 into a lucky number

FRIDAY, JULY 13: Superstition has no role for the Math Springboard Programme students.

Nearly 200 students — from the Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy — were whittled down to 13, who won the coveted work shadow placements at eight financial services companies across the island where they finish up today, Friday the 13th.

The Bermuda Education Network (BEN), in conjunction with Montpelier Re, Orbis Investment Management, and KPMG helped co-ordinate the Math Springboard Programme.

The search for the perfect candidates began back in February, during which time nearly 200 students took part in the initial process. 

In order to qualify, students were asked to submit online applications with a resume, transcript and at least one teacher reference. 

The interview process began in April and ran through the end of June.  At the end of the process, 23 students emerged as top candidates, and then finally 13 of those students were chosen as the winners. 

The compensation package for each student is worth $200 in cash and $200 in academic tutoring, career guidance and other prizes.

Students did their work shadow at an insurance company or insurance broker during the first week of the programme.  During week two they are work shadowing at either an accounting firm or an investment management company. 

Throughout the programme, the winners will have an opportunity to gain an inside look at the daily running of these companies and why math is so important to this industry. 

Tahinde Frederick, AVP senior risk analyst at Montpelier Re and one of the mentors, said: “The programme provides an early “hands on” perspective of an industry that is vital to the economy of this country. As the students are nearing the end of their high school careers,

“I believe this programme helps tailor their future educational decisions that will prepare them for career opportunities available locally and abroad.”

But perhaps more exciting is the fact that they have had unprecedented access to senior level executives such as Ms. Frederick, who will spend time mentoring the students and providing them insight into what they will need to obtain a career in the Bermuda financial services sector. 

An exciting new addition to the Math Springboard Programme this year has been the Investment Challenge Game where students took part in managing their own investment portfolio. 

Mentor Edmund Robinson from lead sponsor Orbis Investment Management said: “A one-day Portfolio Manager Game was designed to expose the students to the investment process. 

“Each team of students took on the role of the portfolio manager while other teams participated as equity analysts. 

“Student participation was dynamic and impassioned and we look forward to contributing to the programme again next year.”

The culmination of the programme was the Insurance Game where students will participate in an excess of loss treaty simulation, where teams will play the role of brokers and underwriters. Prizes for both the Investment Challenge and the Insurance Game will be awarded the final day of the programme.

Now in its third year, the success of Math Springboard would not have been possible if it were not for the commitment of all its sponsors. 

Opportunity

This year’s lead sponsors are Montpelier Re, Orbis Investment Management and KPMG whose support both financially and in employee time and volunteer commitment have made this year’s Math Springboard even more worthwhile and exciting for the students. 

Dame Pamela Gordon Banks (DBE), chair of the Montpelier Re Foundation, said: “It is wonderful that the founders and management of Montpelier Re so generously appreciate that access to opportunity is the cornerstone for people to realize their full potential.

“Montpelier Re Foundation believes that showing young people we believe in them allows them to seek success in a confident supported way. We are all very proud of the achievement of the participants of the Math Springboard.”

Craig Bridgewater, partner at KPMG said: “KPMG are pleased to continue our relationship with BEN and have been very impressed with the calibre of students we have seen over the last three years. The future for these winners, the Financial Services industry and Bermuda is very bright.”

• Rhianna Allen, Berkeley Institute, S2
• Raymond Bean, Berkeley Institute, S4
• Michaela Bean, Berkeley Institute, S4
• Guisti Clarke, Berkeley Institute, S3
• Nikari Furbert, Berkeley Institute, S3
• Dominic Lambe, Berkeley Institute, S4
• Japhia Lightbourne, CedarBridge Academy, S3
• Jathniel O’Mara, CedarBridge Academy, S2
• Sharri Perkins, CedarBridge Academy, S4
• Dajon Richardson, CedarBridge Academy, S4
• Raequan Rochester, CedarBridge Academy, S4
• Takeira Trott, Berkeley Institute, S4
• Daniel Walker, CedarBridge Academy, S4