"insider's look'' at exempted companies claimed they left with a much better grasp of the world of international business.

Of those who attended an open day organised by the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce last month, 75 percent said they came away with a much improved understanding of the business.

The day was planned in response to a survey last summer which showed that guidance counsellors had a low understanding of the business world.

Representatives from ten schools attended the open day last month, visiting the offices of top executives and speaking with young Bermudians with successful careers in business.

A survey by the International Companies Division to assess the counsellors' impressions of the day, showed they welcomed opportunities for work-study programmes and more student-orientated information on career opportunities in international business.

Chamber executive vice president Ms Carolyn Mello yesterday praised the ICD initiative as a way businesses can improve relations with educators and students.

She said the effort supported the Chamber's extensive work in the area of education through its ICEA programme, Career Track, Young Enterprise Programme and education grants.