on look at what the bank has to offer.

At last week's student expo, nearly 200 university and college students including graduating high school students were given the opportunity to get informed about career opportunities in the bank.

There were 18 booths set up with representatives from the different bank departments.

Executive vice president of international and corporate banking Mr. Stephen Kempe said: "The whole idea is to have an informal setting giving the students the opportunity to go around and ask questions and talk to personnel in various departments.

"It's a one-on-one type of setting and because of this it is more valuable and more relaxed atmosphere which makes it more comfortable to ask questions.'' Mr. Kempe also said over 120 students registered. "It has been a good turnout.

"One of the good things about the expo is that the students can come and stay as long as they want and get talk with employees to find out what made them want to work in a bank.'' He added: "The idea is to make students aware of what is out in the real commercial world.

"We in the banking industry are in competition with the rest of the international business industry for scarce human resources. You have to sell yourself and encourage students to see the opportunities.

"There are many facades of banking that do not deal with money.'' Mr. Kempe said the expo which is held every other year has always been very successful bringing in several applicants.

"It is encouraging to see the calibre of students coming through.'' Student of Howard University Mr. Jamahl Simmons, 23 attended the expo to look into the corporate banking department.

"I also wanted to have a look at the different avenues that are available upon returning to Bermuda after graduating,'' Mr. Simmons said.

"Since the economy is supposed to be bad it is good to see so many opportunities available.

Alabama's Oakwood College student Mr. Leslie Holder, 21 said: "Banks are very large employers because they have several different branches.

"Normally people feel that they can't progress in a big company. But if they are in a department they have the best of both worlds.

"You're working in a particular department but you are also getting the advantages of working for a big business.'' BANKING ON THE FUTURE -- Student Mr. Leslie Holder learns how they graph in the portfolio management department of the Bank of Butterfield. Pictured with him is Ms. Faith Outerbridge of the department.