News Release: Hamilton, Bermuda – A week-long campaign to connect Bermuda’s young people with the island’s international business market kicks off Monday with school visits, mentorship programmes, scholarships promotion, and a new animated video highlighting the economic impact of global industries on the island.
“International Business Week,” running February 25 to March 1, is led by the Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC), in partnership with the Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers (ABIR), Bermuda International Long Term Insurers and Reinsurers (BILTIR), and the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA). It also coincides with Insurance Careers Month, being marked around the world.
“We’re pleased to team with industry groups and the BDA to drive this initiative as part of our ongoing ‘Everybody’s Business’ campaign,” said ABIC Chairman Patrick Tannock. “As international business is the economic engine of the country and Bermuda is a world-respected international business jurisdiction, it’s important that we maintain an enabling environment for the free flow of high-quality intellectual capital, while simultaneously developing diverse local talent to continue our track record of innovation excellence. Therefore, our focus this year is on increasing awareness of career opportunities in international business.
“We’ve invited middle-school students to visit our companies and connect with Bermudians already working in this sector,” said Tannock. “Through radio and television shows, advertisements on the back of buses, and social media, we’re also promoting different ways students can learn more about business careers.”
Some 3,700 island residents work in international business, 65 percent of them Bermudians or spouses of Bermudians. Another 6,100 jobs exist in supporting industries such as banking, legal, audit and accounting firms. The new video, produced by Uber Super Duper, along with other campaign materials featuring photography by Bermudian lenswoman Meredith Andrews, underscores how the “multiplier effect” results in an additional 1.3 jobs being created across Bermuda’s economy for every IB position. It’s the second video in ABIC’s series, after 2015’s “International Business is Everybody’s Business” production that attracted 30,000-plus views.
Educational opportunities to help students access international business jobs are key to the campaign. ABIC members have supported more than 650 Bermuda students with college scholarships over the past 42 years, and the new campaign encourages young people to explore opportunities via https://www.bermudascholarships.com
Other IB Week initiatives will include:
● Visits by the island’s middle schools to global insurance companies, building on ABIC’s ongoing work with teachers to create curricula geared to this age group
● Video interviews by Qian Dickinson of social network Bermemes with industry leaders
● An ad campaign showcasing the video on Bermuda’s economy: http://bit.ly/IBJOBS
● Radio talk-shows featuring Bermudians who work in IB careers
● Ads on buses, posters and brochures highlighting tips for students considering IB careers
“Our message to young people is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to jobs in Bermuda’s global business market,” said Rosemary Jones, the BDA’s Head of Communications & Marketing. “A diverse range of interests and skillsets are needed, from science, math and information technology to arts, social studies, languages and communications. There are opportunities for students from all types of backgrounds, and in many different kinds of industries here.”
