Throughout the months of June, July, and August, the bank hosted a mix of high school and college students who joined the various departments in the bank to learn and assist in some of the day-to-day administrative matters.

“We offer this opportunity to the territory’s students annually so that they can get an insight and some practical experience on working in a bank and the world of financial services,” said Mrs. Vernecia Holder, Head of International Corporate Banking.

“We want these young people, who are starting to make decisions on their career, to have a basic and rounded understanding of the banking processes and the compliance requirements that are part and parcel of this business. We also want them to leave with a positive view of working at CIBC FirstCaribbean.

“When we recruit, we always look at what experience the applicants have and it makes it easier for interns to get through the first stage because they already have spent time working with the team.”

Six students who participated in the internship program shared their experience of working in the different business segments.

Miss. Shelly Richardson, a 2017 graduate of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) currently attends the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) where she is studying Finance with a double major in Accounting. Ms. Richardson interned at the bank from June 19 through August 30. Her post in the Customer Service department included assisting in the filing room and data entry for accounts.

“Working in the Customer Service department I came to realize how much work goes into banking and the precision, accuracy and diligence required. I never saw myself in Retail banking but this summer has proved to me that I can work in any department. I would be very happy to work at CIBC FirstCaribbean – it’s been a great experience!” she said.

Ms. Marika Potter interned with the bank from June 18 through the start of September. A 2019 graduate of HLSCC, She completed her Associated Accounting qualification. She plans to pursue further studies in Business Administration and Accounting at either Florida International University, Missouri State or the University of Miami. “My task was to review the files for all departments and update them as necessary. I learned a lot and wouldn’t mind working in Retail banking.”

A younger intern, Miss. Kyler Durante is a student at the ESHS and starts the new academic year as a 6th former. She became aware of the opportunity at the bank through her guidance counselor and started her internship at the beginning of July.

“I have enjoyed this experience particularly as we have a course at school on Financial Services and Accounting which also explains about money laundering and reviewing files and doing file checks which tied in with what I learned in the classroom. It’s helped me to understand how international accounts are dealt with,” she said.