This summer, five students from the Berkeley Institute participated in a transformative internship program in the Bermuda Fintech sector, supported by Chubb and Paradise Mobile as well as the Department of Economic Development.

Hands-On Experience in Fintech

Thanks to a subsidy from the Economic Development Department (EDD), these students gained invaluable insights into how emerging technologies like fintech, artificial intelligence, and digital commerce are revolutionizing business practices. The interns, Musa Abdul-Jabbar, Shiloh Cruickshank, Natalia Dill, Zane Furbert-Tankard, and Dunnajai O’Mara, each worked in the Hamilton offices of Chubb and Paradise Mobile, contributing to their respective teams.

Government Support for Youth Initiatives

David Burt, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating it emerged from their observation of student fintech presentations at Berkeley. “These internships enable students to apply their skills in real-world settings, shaping the future of Bermuda through technology,” Burt commented.

Bridging Education and Professionalism

Minister of Education Crystal Caesar echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of experiential learning. “Witnessing students transfer classroom knowledge to professional environments exemplifies our educational philosophy,” she stated, reinforcing the value of practical training.

Experiences at Paradise Mobile

At Paradise Mobile, the students engaged in key roles, assisting with product strategy, marketing, and project management. Nico Gonzalez, the digital director of the company, remarked on their commitment to nurturing local talent. Intern Natalia Dill described her experience as “transformative,” noting it opened her eyes to new career possibilities.

Innovative Projects at Chubb

While at Chubb, the interns worked on developing insurance proposals tailored for electronic commerce and fintech platforms. They tackled marketing strategies and rating algorithms and also took part in a unique simulation where they assumed leadership roles in a digital insurance company, making strategic decisions under various simulated crises.

Broadening Educational Horizons

This internship program is part of a series of initiatives supported by the EDD, including the Bermuda Coders’ online courses implemented last year. Remarkably, Berkeley fintech students have achieved a 100% success rate in obtaining foundational AI certifications, showcasing the efficacy of these educational strategies.

Looking Towards the Future

Maryem Biadillah, Acting Director of the EDD, noted that programs like these empower students to gain practical exposure to emerging technologies. They help develop not only skills but also confidence and networking opportunities that are essential for future success in the digital landscape.