A dozen students have completed an internship programme with global professional services firm PwC.

The 12 took part in PwC’s HeadStart scheme, which aims to give students a taste of life at work.

Kyle Harvey, the winner of PwC’s Peter Mitchell scholarship for 2015, said: “I joined HeadStart for the opportunity to experience challenging real-world problems across a variety of industry sectors.

“The rotation among those various industries and working with different teams throughout the summer has been an excellent learning experience that has helped me discover which industry suits me best.

“I truly enjoy the working environment at PwC Bermuda. Every day I’m surrounded by dedicated professionals who are always willing to lend a hand.”

The accountancy student at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada added: “The coaching and opportunities for teamwork have been fantastic and I have been able to build lasting relationships with my colleagues.”

This year’s interns were also given insights into the America’s Cup ocean racing competition as PwC has been appointed audit and assurance provider for the series and the Oracle Team USA.

And they got the chance to support the America’s Cup community sailing programme Endeavour by helping to clear out and repair the Sea Cadets’ TS Admiral Somers building in St George’s in preparation for the start of the programme this month.

Tara Brangman, a risk management and insurance student at Georgia State University in the US, said that the programme and external work like assisting the Outward Bound programme, guest speaker training and charity work “created an environment to build relationships with each other and help uplift and encourage our team mates while helping out in the community”.

Victoria Allison, an accounting major at Gordon College in Massachusetts, said: “The best part about HeadStart is the close involvement I’ve been able to have with the work the firm is doing.

“I’ve had other internships where they’ve kept me busy with menial jobs, but here at PwC Bermuda my colleagues ensure that I am making the most out of my time with the firm and allow me to expand my knowledge of the industry.”

She added: “Having some work with a big firm before you graduate can really give you a feel for what it is that you will be doing and allow you to form business connections with people in the industry that will be able to guide you on what your next step should be.”

PwC managing director and leader of the programme David Gibbons said: “PwC Bermuda is committed to developing dynamic and talented young Bermudians to their full potential.

“The firm’s HeadStart programme is not only about becoming an accountant. Our interns are given a high level of responsibility, have the opportunity to effect real change and also build their personal brand.

“If students perform well, they have the potential to secure a full-time position with PwC. This allows students to focus on university life knowing a full-time position is secured.”

Anyone interest in applying for the HeadStart programme should visit www.pwc.com/bermudacareers.