CedarBridge Academy students received tips from the top on how to get into the reinsurance industry when they were guests of reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter at the World Rugby Classic last week.

The group of 20 students mingled with the crowds amid the fun and the business networking of the event, and also engaged in a panel discussion that featured five senior reinsurance executives.

On the panel were Chris Silvester of Validus Re, Kathleen Reardon of Hamilton Re, Paul Simons of XL Re, and Peta White of Markel, as well as moderator Tony Fox, the Bermuda CEO of Guy Carpenter.

The panel members began their discussion with an introduction that included how they got into the reinsurance industry. All but one said they had actually planned for that career, while one panel member studied to be a veterinarian, before opting for reinsurance.

Students were provided with recommendation of needs for the insurance industry, and what students needed to have before entering college.

Mr Sylvester said: “Don’t do something that is uncomfortable, do something you enjoy so that you are not mediocre.”

Destinee Taylor, president of the Student Government Association for CedarBridge Academy, member of the National Honour Society and a prefect, said: “I met a lot of great people from a variety of insurance and reinsurance companies, who were kind enough to answer questions and give me vital information about the large insurance industry in Bermuda.

“Personally, I aspire to become a lawyer and I received information about summer internships and scholarships from a few lawyers and managers that were present. You never know where little things like this can take you, and in saying that I actually got invited to attend a luncheon with a lawyer who recently completed their legal studies.”

The concept of including the students in the rugby tent was the brainchild of immediate past Guy Carpenter Bermuda CEO Kevin Fisher, who wanted to make a difference in the community and expose senior public school students to members of the reinsurance industry and a world class sporting event.

Based on the success of last year, current CEO Mr Fox was keen to continue the initiative for 2014. Fifteen students were provided from the S4 grade, and five were members of the CBA Beyond Rugby Bermuda team.

Guy Carpenter senior vice-president Jenni Estis said: “Everyone was extremely impressed with the CedarBridge Academy students who attended the Rugby Classic with Guy Carpenter, especially the enthusiasm and the confidence with which they engaged with senior reinsurance personnel in the re/insurance industry. Many students indicated that they made connections with individuals based on their desired career paths, or courses of study, and because of that, we consider the event a resounding success.”

Kaila Burgess, president of the CedarBridge Academy National Honour Society and Prefect, said: “I am interested in business and was considering becoming an accountant; however, as I am more exposed to different careers, I am learning there is more than just business.

“I am now leaning toward underwriting. This opportunity to network was amazing. That one experience, increased my self-confidence. I was never one to begin a conversation with people I do not know, but Monday night, I had to do just that.

“I received several business cards from various companies and I am now in the process of following up and arranging meetings with them, to help discuss my future.”