Sixteen Bermudian students received priceless advice from one of the most successful local entrepreneurs to come out of the Bermuda insurance market.

The students who are interested in insurance careers, participate in an internship programme sponsored by the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies (BFIS).

The programme enables students to study all aspects of the industry and meet with industry professionals at all levels.

And this month their travels took them to London, Chicago and Atlanta from July 7-18 to participate in an internship programme sponsored by the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies (BFIS).

While in Atlanta, they met with Oyster Consulting (Bermuda) chairman Brian Hall, who was at the top of the global captive insurance market for many years, and, who has been active for many years in helping Bermudian students into an insurance career.

Mr Hall, the founding chairman of BFIS and former chairman, Johnson & Higgins (Bermuda), gave the students a brief summary of the evolution of the insurance industry in Bermuda.

But he also offered several pieces of advice, emphasising the necessity of a strong work ethic, developing credibility and credentials in a career, and developing a large network in both the students’ personal and professional lives.

In addition to the internship programme, BFIS also has a mentoring programme designed to match students with practicing professionals already working in Bermuda’s insurance industry.

BFIS alumni and other industry professionals offer continued support as part of a successful programme. An avid supporter of the mentoring programme, Mr Hall was one of the Foundation’s first mentors. As an advisory trustee, he shares his experience and enthusiasm with students.

“We are preparing people with academic opportunities for meaningful roles,” Mr Hall said. “I have really enjoyed watching young Bermudians emerge as professionals as a result of the BFIS programmes, and the support of the mentor group from the industry has been exceptional in helping achieve this result.”

On Monday, the students will make presentations on what they learned from the programme to their hosting companies and trustees. Others interested in attending the interns’ presentation can contact BFIS.