The Managing Directors of KPMG in Bermuda are pleased to announce this year’s 2018 KPMG Scholarship recipients as follows:

Mikayla DeSilva-Jacome, a 2017 graduate of Saltus Senior School, is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business & Organizational Studies with a concentration in Accounting at King’s University College at Western University in Canada and aims to obtain her Chartered Professional Accounting designation upon completion of University.

Kimika Jackson, a 2016 graduate of The Berkeley Institute and the Bermuda College dual enrollment, is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Risk Management and Insurance at St. John’s University in New York and aims to obtain her MBA in Enterprise Risk Management to develop the cross-functional skills valued when assessing and advising businesses on risk decisions. Kimika is the first recipient of KPMG’s new Non-Accounting Scholarship award.

Steve Woodward, managing director, KPMG in Bermuda, stated: “We are proud to announce the introduction of a new non-accounting scholarship award as part of our increasing investment in the future careers of young Bermudians. The 2018 KPMG Scholarships awarded to Mikayla DeSilva-Jacome and Kimika Jackson will provide them with financial support as they complete their university degrees, and an excellent opportunity to launch their careers with KPMG as part of our Lift-Off Program”.

The two recipients impressed the firm’s Scholarship Committee by demonstrating their capabilities across all facets of our selection criteria and in the face of strong competition from other very talented applicants. The KPMG Scholarships are an important aspect of KPMG’s Lift-Off Program and provide Bermudian university students with financial assistance towards the completion of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in an accounting or business-related subject.

The scholarship winners are also provided guaranteed internships with KPMG and an invitation to join the firm on graduation for a career and a future full of possibilities. Each scholarship has a value of BD$20,000 per annum and is renewable for a total of three years, providing the recipient meets all of the required conditions. Recipients are placed in the firm’s mentor-driven Lift-Off Program which ensures that every professional step taken is well planned, supported and coupled with a personalized development plan tailored to meet the individual needs of each graduate.

In addition, Mikayla and Kimika will both take part in KPMG’s Global Advantage Program. Gap is an exciting interactive 3-day leadership development program for top University students seeking a career with KPMG. The KPMG Bermuda Scholarship recipients will travel to Budapest in Hungary to attend the 2019 Gap. During the program, students will experience development training, a leadership skills workshop led by KPMG’s partners and recruiting leaders, networking with 80-100 international students from many different countries, experience historical/cultural activities and interaction with a selection of KPMG’s clients.

Mikayla commented, “It is an honor to be this year’s scholarship recipient. KPMG has a great reputation in Bermuda, and I am looking forward to being a part of the firm. Being a KPMG Scholarship is a great opportunity that I know will aid me in both my career and personal development”.

Kimika commented, “I am honored to be the 2018 KPMG Scholar and thrilled to reap the guidance of KPMG’s Lift-Off Program to achieve my goals. Their great care and investment in non-accountancy fields demonstrates their incredible investment in young Bermudians, understanding the significance that other areas of expertise will add to their firm. I am confident that this award will nurture my growth of becoming a prolific leader within the industry”.

For more information on the KPMG Scholarships and the Lift-Off Program, please visit kpmg.bm

• Press release from KPMG