Exposure to a range of industries and the opportunity to network with some of the people at the top of their field were among some of the main considerations for students who took part in the Summer Internship Programme 2010.

Fourteen Bermudian university students, whittled down from a field of 40, completed the 10-week programme, with the two teams giving their presentations at a closing ceremony held yesterday.

The programme, which was hosted by Ace, HSBC and Deloitte, provides students with a unique learning opportunity and introduces them to a diversity of aspects to the international business sector and, ultimately be better placed to make the right career choice.

The students completed a rotation project at each of the three partner companies, focusing on re/insurance at Ace, assurance and accounting at Deloitte and financial services at HSBC.

They also spent one day a week working on a community service project designed to encourage team building, leadership skills and civic duty. Team Fresh Bermuda worked with the The Centre on Philanthropy and was given the task of creating The Bermuda Portal, which will connect donor, non-profit organisations and volunteers across the Island, while Team Fire linked up with Keep Bermuda Beautiful to address the issue of illegal dumping.

With each team giving their presentations on their selected projects, they were then presented with their certificates at the end of the ceremony.

Harry Masters, who is majoring in Environmental Studies at the University of Carolina and hopes to pursue a career in insurance, said the best part of the programme was the number of opportunities it offered.

"First of all just being exposed to three sectors of industry gives you a wide variety of opportunities and you definitely get the opportunity to meet with the top people at each company," he said.

"Personally, just working with a large group of motivated, intelligent and young Bermudians and just getting the experience of team work with your peers was the best part for me."

Patricia Chisnall, who is studying for a Bachelor of Commerce at McMaster University and is interested in becoming an underwriter or go into human resources, said networking was the best aspect of the internship.

"It is the best opportunity on the Island to meet with the top people in the three different industries, so the networking was amazing," she said.

"I just thought that I would be doing a project with seven other people and didn't realise how much an insight into the various industries I would get.

"I also got a feel for what I want to do and don't want to do in the future."

Rees Fletcher, president and CEO at Ace Bermuda, said: "Each year the Summer Internship Programme continues to grow from strength to strength. This is due to the work of the companies involved, the quality of students who participate, and the engaging community projects they take on.

"The Summer Internship Programme's success embodies the hard work, determination and dedication of everyone involved."

Philip Butterfield, CEO of HSBC Bermuda, said: "We have been most impressed with the work the interns have undertaken at the partner companies, and we look forward to continuing an employment relationship with these young people in the future."

Katherine Cupidore, human capital manager at Deloitte, said: "It's always a pleasure to participate in the students' development over the intern period.

"They come in full of expectation and ambition and leave understanding how to apply themselves, how to develop meaningful relationships and how to work in teams.

"This crash course in professional and personal development is invaluable and we look forward to being involved in the students' continued growth."