Thirteen Bermudian students took part in PwC’s HeadStart internship programme.

The programme provides students with meaningful career opportunities, giving them hands-on industry experience and developing their professional and interpersonal skills. Over the years, this programme has helped to produce the next generation of leaders, through co-op, internship, scholarship and associate programmes.

PwC is holding a Parent and Educator Reception on November 29 at the PwC offices on the fourth floor of Washington House to give information about the HeadStart programme.

Kenya Simons, a senior at Georgia State University, said about her second year on the programme: “While in past years I rotated through different teams to get an understanding of each department, this summer I was able to work on a project independently.

“This engagement gave me an opportunity to network with the client, work with my team members, and learn and develop my auditing skills through coaching from my manager.”

The internship also provides opportunities for the students to develop their leadership and professional skills.

Beau Orchard, a student at Portland State University said: “Every Friday the interns participated in professional skills workshop or an activity where we could put these practices to the test. Most notably was our day at Outward Bound on Paget Island.

“Tasks such as navigating the dark tunnels in Fort Cunningham or scaling the ropes course, were designed to force us to optimise efficiency and refine our interpersonal skills, flexibility, patience, and innovation.”

Since 2008, the HeadStart programme has hired over 80 full-time Bermudians. Brieanna Samuels is a student at the University of the West of England, Bristol who will be joining PwC full time after graduation.

She said: “Working at PwC, I felt that I was continually learning, supported and fully embraced as part of the team. This internship has challenged me in ways that have not only helped me grow professionally, but helped me to decide what I want my career to look like.”

PwC’s HeadStart programme also includes scholarship opportunities with up to $65,000 in scholarships awarded annually to young Bermudians. The renewable Peter Mitchell Scholarship provides Bermudian students with $20,000 a year in financial assistance as well as valuable work experience and ongoing career coaching and support.

PwC has also partnered with the Association of Bermuda International Companies to present the Abic-PwC Award for Bermudians studying accounting.

This year’s awardees were Kenya Simons, Quinnae Outerbridge and Christopher Malpas. David Gibbons, PwC partner and leader of the HeadStart programme, said: “These three students have distinguished themselves through their character, community involvement and academic achievements. We look forward to them joining and being mentored by fellow successful Bermudians including Sean Kelly, Zenika Simons, Jeremy Shrubb and Tamae Campbell.”

For more information, contact Risa Hunter at 299-7108 or at Risa.Hunter@pwc.com