Summer Internship Program Community Service
The 12 Bermudian university students participating in the ninth annual Summer Internship Program [SIP], today [Aug.11] presented the results of their community service projects at a closing ceremony in the ACE building.
Developed by a partnership between ACE Group, HSBC Bermuda and Deloitte, the SIP provides students with a unique learning experience that allows them to gain practical knowledge of Bermuda’s international business sector and acquire information to help them make informed career choices.
During the 10-week internship program the students worked at each of the three partnership companies. They focused on insurance and reinsurance at The ACE Group, assurance and accounting at Deloitte, and finance and risk management at HSBC Bermuda.
The SIP students dedicated one day a week to work on community service projects specifically designed to encourage their team building and leadership skills.
The team assigned to Eliza DoLittle’s Daily Bread Program developed a marketing plan aimed to help the Executive Director, Margaret Ward, increase awareness throughout the community and obtain greater corporate involvement.
In their effort to compile a variety of strategies into the marketing plan, the interns conducted various surveys with members of the public, several restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels.
They also attained advice from lawyers on the steps required to establish the Good Samaritan Law as an Act; created promotional materials; recommended steps for establishing the Freedom from Hunger Day on September 28; and enhanced the donation program involving local vendors.
Margaret Ward, Executive Director of The Eliza DoLittle’s Daily Bread project said, “the SIP’s team endeavor has been wonderful. Their enthusiasm was contagious and I commend them for committing a whole morning to cooking and serving many of Bermuda’s homeless and hungry at the Anglican Cathedral.”
“The students remained focused, creative, and have come up with some innovative activities to market Daily Bread and get more food donations.”
“Food donations have more than doubled during the past month, thanks in part to the many contacts the SIP team have made via facebook, phone, and face to face personal contacts. Much has been accomplished that would not have been possible without them.”
The team working with Teen Services developed a marketing plan that will help promote the organization’s various youth services.
The marketing plan outlines ways to update existing promotional materials; attract support from new and existing sponsors; use different public media platforms to create a positive image; and promote teen advocacy initiatives. The students also suggested strengthening the brand with an updated website design, new motto and logo.
Achieving Teen Services’ goal of providing youth development services to both males and females gave the team the inspiration needed to create a marketing plan relevant to the current social environment.
The hope is that the suggested plan will enable Teen Services to acquire the funds needed to encourage success and open up possibilities for teens.
“Teen Services is indeed grateful to the SIP college students who have dedicated part of their summer to developing a plan which will greatly assist Teen Services in becoming a better-defined agency”, stated Vivlyn Cooper, Board Chair of Teen Services.
“Teen Services needed to find a more effective way of getting the Bermuda community to embrace our mission, our programs and ideas, and to recognize the very valuable service we provide for our teen clients in the community.”
“We are indebted to the students who shared their marketing expertise and assure them that their efforts are appreciated, and will be incorporated in our strategic efforts going forward.”
The SIP students presentations showcased some of the key skills developed while participating in the SIP, including, communication, writing, strategic planning, critical thinking, research & development, teamwork and presentation skills.
“The SIP has been my most positive summer employment experience. It has been a pleasure coming together with other young Bermudians with different backgrounds to gain experience in Bermuda’s core business sectors – as well as benefiting the community through our charity projects”, said Jonathan Bath, 2011 SIP student.
“In just ten short weeks, I have noticed significant personal and professional development in both myself and my team members. The friends and contacts I have made in this program have been invaluable. I am looking forward to our bright futures as we begin to enter Bermuda’s workforce.”
The 2011 SIP participants are:
- Jonathan Bath, Queen’s University
- James Chiappa, College of Charleston
- Jubilee-Ann Edness, St. John’s University
- Charis Haynes, Concordia University
- Christine Jack, Queen’s University
- Jennifer Looby, Bermuda College/University of Kent LLB
- Anna Mackenzie, University of Edinburgh
- Sonia Minors, Rollins College
- Carolyn O’Shea, Stetson University
- Teron Ratteray, University of Western Ontario
- Matthew Sinclair, The College of William and Mary
- Milton Stephens, Wilfrid Laurier University
Well done to these students who i know worked hard all summer! The future of this island is indeed in good hands.
I think i should be noted that this article has very few (at this moment it has none) comments. everybody always preaches about the doom and gloom of bermuda but when they have positive things whether its young people getting scholarships, excelling in sports or working hard they never get any notice. Come on now bermuda if you would only read the articles you would say that there is hope for our country and there are young people out there doing good things.
I agree with you Young Observer…. There are so much GOOD going on in Bermuda, give credit where its due !!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !!!
Congrats to all the SIP students. SIP is a great program for young college students. Networking, learning about international business, in the media, meeting CEOs and local execs, presenting, marketing plans, team work, and community service–the full SIP Experience. I recommend others to apply next year.
Kennette Burgess
SIP Alumni 2009
TEAM W.O.R.K. (Willing to Obtain Results and Knowledge)