B.TEC?s fourth annual networking event which was held on Tuesday at XL House was designed to provide senior school students with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to mix and mingle with top executives from many businesses across the Island. With business cards and resumes in hand, over 100 students from CedarBridge Academy, the Berkeley Institute and the Bermuda College searched for potential contacts in the fields of their interests, speaking to almost 70 representatives from sectors including accounting, finance, insurance, hospitality, education and construction.

Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Education and Development Rosemary Tyrrell welcomed the attendees, encouraging them to make the most of the opportunity. ?Today is the first day of the rest of your life and the first step towards a great future.?

B.TEC project manager Kristin White also addressed the students, saying: ?B.TEC?s technology courses, and our goal of fully integrating technology into our schools ? this is all to ensure that you are on the path to a great career, not just in IT, but in any area you desire. And that?s what this event is about.?

Many students, though nervous, found the confidence to walk up to captains of industry, and engage them in conversation. CedarBridge Academy S4 student, Shalini Tucker, had polished her networking skills and was showing a portfolio of her graphic designs. Her Multi-Media teacher, Racquel Rose-Green, said: ?Shalini will do what she needs to do to get a job! She is talking to everyone, and is so enthusiastic. She just walked right up to the president of a company, used his interesting tie as an ?ice-breaker?, and proceeded to let him know all about her interests and IT skills. Shalini and many of our students are certainly taking advantage of this opportunity.?

Business representatives were pleased that so many students were eager to ask questions and get advice on college, scholarships and jobs. Executive director of the ACE Foundation, Ralph Richardson, said: ?Every year I look forward to attending the B.TEC networking event. This event, for most of the students, is their first opportunity to meet face-to-face with industry leaders and decision makers. The level of confidence the students display as they walk around the room never ceases to amaze me.?

Mr. Richardson added: ?This year I had the privilege of meeting several bright and enthusiastic students. However, one young man, Kemar Peters of the Berkeley Institute, caught my attention with his interest in insurance and accounting. After introducing him to two insurance executives, he provided all of us with his business card and asked for ours. The very next day we all received e-mails from Kemar, saying how much he enjoyed meeting us and asking if he could set up a meeting to discuss our company and his career interests. Although I have attended every one of the B.TEC networking events, this was the first time I have received a request for follow-up from one of the students. Having qualifications, though important, do not guarantee success ? it is the ability to sell yourself and to speak clearly and confidently that opens the door.

I truly believe that this programme is helping our young people to hone these skills and effectively compete on both a local and global scale.?