The need to get more Bermudians involved in the world of insurance, which plays such a major role in driving the Island's economy, is a key aim of the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies/Illinois State University Bermuda Intern Programme.

Four interns, two of whom are Bermudian, have just completed an intensive three-week programme that involved meeting with insurance regulators, lawyers, underwriters, broker and actuaries to learn more about the industry.

Comments from the four undergraduates afterwards show the worth of the programme: "I learned so much about the industry"; "Work shadowing an underwriter in professional lines, property cat and general casualty allowed me to gain a significant understanding of how various risks are assessed"; "I never realised Bermuda's insurance industry was so big and so global"; "Lunching with young brokers made me seriously consider broking as a career."

The four students took part in this year's BFIS/ISU Bermuda Intern Programme, which ended recently with a presentation to BFIS Trustees and Careers Committee members.

The students were two Bermudians and two from Katie School at Illinois State University. They had meetings with over 20 companies and organisations, and this included work shadowing, group presentations to forums and social lunches.

This year they also attended the PLUS Conference, courtesy of the PLUS Foundation. "During our meetings the one thing which was emphasised was the need for more Bermudians in the industry," said intern Erika Suber.

"With so many companies setting up here on the island, being able to hire high quality local insurance professionals is undeniably an asset."

Applications for the 2008 programme can be found on the BFIS web site. It is open to students who have completed their junior year and are planning for a career in the insurance sector.

BFIS is focused on helping students find their way into the insurance sector workforce through scholarship funding, career advice, mentoring, internships and job search assistance.