Bermuda-based re/insurer Hiscox is launching its first graduate scheme for Bermudian graduates, the company announced yesterday.

With the application process now underway, Hiscox is initially searching for two Bermudian graduates who graduated in either 2008 or 2009, or will be graduating this summer and who are interested in developing a career as an underwriter.

Successful applicants will spend an initial period in Hiscox's Bermuda office, before moving on to Hiscox's international graduate programme, which is based in the UK, for two years.

Operated on a rotational basis, the scheme allows graduates to work in different areas of the Hiscox business in the UK, US and Europe before returning to progress their careers in Hiscox's Bermuda office.

Charles Dupplin, Hiscox Bermuda's CEO, commented: "Since setting up a reinsurance operation in Bermuda in 2005, the importance of the island to our international business was further underlined by the relocation of our headquarters to Bermuda in 2006.

"The search for the best graduate talent Bermuda has to offer demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the Island and our determination to develop local talent as our business grows."

Christina Herzog, Hiscox Bermuda's human resources manager, added: "This is a great opportunity for Bermudian graduates to get their underwriting careers off to a flying start.

"It is anticipated that we will be running the graduate scheme on an annual basis and that future vacancies will broaden to include other disciplines such as claims, operations and finance.

"Some of the key criteria we are looking for in graduates this year are a Grade Point Average of 3.2 or above (out of 4.0) for US/Canadian degrees, or 2.1 for UK degrees, excellent interpersonal skills, comfort and ability to negotiate, and confidence working with numbers.

"We are keen to hear from graduates who possess these qualities and who have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in the (re)insurance sector."

Those graduates interested in applying are invited to submit their CV along with a cover letter detailing what qualifies them to enter the scheme. Submissions should be e-mailed to graduates@hiscox.bm