13 Students Earn ILS Programme Certificates
ILS Bermuda announced that thirteen Bermuda College students have successfully completed the 2024–2025 ILS Bermuda College Programme, earning the programme’s first-ever Completion Certificate.
A spokesperson said, “The initiative, which aims to expose students to Bermuda’s globally respected insurance, reinsurance and Insurance-Linked Securities [ILS] sectors, combines real-world experience, professional development, and industry mentorship to help young students forge pathways into the island’s risk industry.
“The certificate recognises outstanding achievement in insurance education and career readiness. Students recognised in this year’s cohort are: Chelsea Almeida, Aydin Arouzi, Jayden Coleman, Diamond DeShield, Natalia Dill, I’Aura Golding, Zynésia Nisbett, Malachi O’Leary, Lucien Penacho, Deidré Smith, Kaitelyn Smith, Skyah Walker, and Jaden-Alex Walrond.
“To earn the Certificate of Completion, students undertook a six-module programme that included training in business etiquette and professional conduct, one-on-one mentorship, participation at the ILS Convergence conference, development of resumés, LinkedIn profiles and social media presence, interview preparation through mock interview sessions, and strategies for applying to scholarships and industry internships.
ILS Bermuda 2024/25 student cohort graduate at Bermuda College.
“Students also had the opportunity to take part in several Lunch and Learn sessions, which offered informal career discovery conversations with professionals from across the risk industry.
“In addition, seven students from the programme secured competitive summer internships with leading ILS and re/insurance organisations, including the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Hiscox ILS, Integral ILS, Marsh Management Services, and Price Forbes Re.
“Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the experience as transformative.”
“The programme truly changed my life,” said Jaden-Alex Walrond. “It exposed me to a world I was never fully aware of. To anyone interested in [re]insurance, the ILS programme is a must, even if you don’t plan to work in ILS.”
Aydin Arouzi added, “It has given me a sense of purpose by helping me better understand what I want in both my career and my life.”
ILS Bermuda students at Convergence 2024.
And Zynésia Nisbett shared, “This programme isn’t just about learning, it’s about being seen, supported, and given a seat at the table. If you’re unsure of your path or looking for something that will challenge and inspire you, ILS Bermuda’s Education Initiative will do exactly that. I’m walking away more confident, connected, and clear about my future.”
The spokesperson said, “Since 2017, ILS Bermuda has partnered with Bermuda College to deliver this unique educational opportunity. The programme runs alongside students’ academic studies and is exclusively open to full-time or dual-enrollment Bermuda College students. It is designed and delivered entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers from across the ILS and re/insurance sectors.”
“We believe in creating access, confidence and opportunity for Bermuda’s young people,” said Jo Stanton, Chair of ILS Bermuda. “Our education initiatives are built on real relationships, with students, with mentors, and with the firms that make up our industry. We’re immensely proud of this year’s cohort and grateful to the organisations who have once again stepped up to offer internships to the students.”
The spokesperson said, “Looking ahead, ILS Bermuda is now accepting expressions of interest for the 2025–2026 ILS Bermuda College Programme and is calling on professionals across the sector to volunteer as mentors or mock interviewers. Industry organisations interested in hosting a student intern in summer 2026 are also encouraged to get in touch.
“Interested students or industry supporters can contact the ILS Bermuda Education Committee at ilsbdaeducationoutreach@gmail.com.”
