Participants in Cayman Finance’s 2024 LEAD programme, which aims to introduce high-performing Caymanian high-school students to the financial services sector have successfully completed a series of workshops and mentorship sessions.
The students are now embarking on the next phase of the programme, which consists of four-week paid summer internships in Cayman Finance member firms.
Between 1 July and 31 August, these internships will provide students with practical, hands-on experience in financial services. Interns will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, apply their learned skills in a real-world setting, and learn about the industry’s day-to-day operations.
Associate Director Danielle Hennings, who leads the LEAD programme, said: “The workshops and mentoring over the past several weeks have equipped the students for a successful internship, marking the initial step in their career journey. During the internship phase, students will gain firsthand experience of working in the industry.”
From 1 May to 30 June, the programme featured eight one-hour workshops facilitated by Cayman Finance and professionals from member firms. The students were introduced to industry sectors, essential skills, and the realities of succeeding in this competitive field.
These sessions covered what a career in financial services is like and offered practical tips on workplace etiquette, CV writing and interview preparation.
LEAD 2024 participant Mikaelie Foster said the combination of mentorship and workshops had been “a transformative experience,” preparing students for their future roles in the industry.
In addition to the workshops, each student was paired with a mentor from a Cayman Finance member organisation. These industry professionals dedicated at least one hour per week to meet with their mentees, offering personalised guidance and insights into the financial sector.
This mentorship component also helps students build a network of professional contacts and gain a deeper understanding of the industry.
“I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the LEAD Programme with Cayman Finance this year. Mentorship is a critical element to ensuring students are able to obtain first-hand insights and advice and are set up for success in the working world,” said LEAD 2024 mentor, Suzanne Scott who works at PwC.
“It’s been amazing to have the opportunity to share my knowledge with a promising young student each week. I think we’ve both learned a lot from each other and I’m looking forward to continuing that mentorship in the future,” she added.
