An aptitude for maths and statistics proved to be the launching pad for Marcus Henschke to pursue a career in the world of risk management and insurance.

He is now halfway through a Risk Management and Insurance bachelor’s degree course at St John’s University in New York.

And he has now been awarded a $30,000 scholarship from the Bermuda International Long Term Insurers and Reinsurers to help with his tuition costs over the final two years of the course.

Raised in Somerset, Mr Henschke, 20, attended Sandys Secondary School and Berkeley Institute, where he was head prefect, and Bermuda College, in dual-enrolment studies.

It was while at middle school that a maths tutor noted his ability with numbers and statistics, and that, together with meetings with risk and insurance industry professionals, led Mr Henschke to his career path.

When not at university, he has interned with Validus Re.

Mr Henschke said: “It is a field of work that I enjoy, and you can take it anywhere in the world.”

In addition to the $30,000 towards his tuition, Biltir will provide him with a mentor to offer advice and counsel throughout the two-year scholarship period.

Mr Henschke said the award will help him immensely. After his current degree course he is considering going on to do a master’s degree.

At St John’s he was selected to be a student ambassador and is a member of Gamma Iota Sigma, the national fraternity for risk management and insurance.

Sylvia Oliveira, director of Biltir, said: “We are pleased to offer this scholarship to Marcus. He is an excellent student who has worked hard to get to university.

“We hope that this scholarship will enable him to concentrate on his studies as he completes his degree and we wish him great success with his very promising future.”

This is the second year that the scholarship has been awarded. The award is offered through the Association of Bermuda International Companies Education Awards as a “Founder” level sponsorship. The Abic Education Awards are funded through the participation of the international business community and have awarded more than 500 students with scholarships over 40 years.

The Biltir scholarship is available to students studying in insurance-related subjects, who have a financial need, academic ability and have successfully completed the application.

For more information on the scholarship, visit www.abic.bm/education/about-the-abic-education-awards