Students gain experience as summer interns
Over the course of his internship at OBS, Chevis has worked alongside key employees at OBS, learning about and assisting with several of the business’ primary functions including finance reconciliation, corporate management, database management and financial statement reviews.
“I have enjoyed my time at OBS,” commented Chevis in a dms release. “There was a lot to take in at first, but I have learned much about the offshore industry since the beginning of my internship. I plan to pursue a career in finance and I am looking forward to applying the knowledge that I have gained here to my studies.”
“OBS has enjoyed having Chevis on board this summer,” remarked OBS Client Accountant Angela Nightingale. “dms has always focused on supporting local education, and we have worked with many students at encouraging their future career aspirations. In addition to OBS, Chevis has had the opportunity to learn about other dms subsidiary and affiliate companies within dms House. He is flourishing during his time with us.”
College student Jonathon Ebanks is gaining work experience and earning some money this summer working as an intern with Saxon Administration Ltd. (Saxon), agents for Silver Thatch Pensions, where he will gain insight into the inner-workings of pension administration as well as the financial industry. Throughout this time he will continue to acquire new skills as he participates in the company’s team meetings as well as attending client meetings with the CEO of Saxon, Brian Williams, offering direct exposure to the importance of maintaining strong customer relationships. (Right: Jonathon Ebanks and Shaneil Vassell with Brian Williams)
In addition to Ebanks’ shadowing of key employees, some of his daily responsibilities and duties include data input, research queries, maintaining the filing system and basic customer service practices, a release states.Facilitating Ebanks’ quest for work experience, Saxon is also able to fulfill its mission to give back to the community in which they operate.
Commented Williams, “Investing in our community, particularly our youth, is of paramount importance to Saxon. We recognize it to be core to our social corporate responsibility to support young Caymanians by giving them work experience and training opportunities while they are still in school, so they are as prepared as they can be before embarking on working life.”
Having earned an Associate’s degree in 2008 from Jefferson College in Missouri, Ebanks is currently studying at Wingate University, North Carolina and is pursing a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. Returning home for the summer, Ebanks is also a member of the Cayman Islands National under 23 team.
Acknowledging his commitments in the community, Saxon has offered Ebanks a flexible work schedule during his internship to enable him to continue his football training sessions in the afternoons.
Williams added, “There is immense value in the youth gaininginsight into the diverse sectors within the financial services industry as it is one of the key drivers of the national economy.”
Over the years Saxon has also accommodated work experience opportunities from students of the Young Parents’ Programme and the Chamber of Commerce Mentoring Cayman programme. Shaneil Vassell of the Chamber of Commerce Mentoring programme and year 12 student of John Gray High School and a Pathfinders member; is currently working for Saxon on a two-week paid internship. Vassell is being cross trained in a variety of areas such as administrative work and reception which includes dealing with customer services issues, as well as participating in daily meetings exposing her to the ins and outs of pension administration.
Further demonstrations of Saxon’s commitment to Cayman’s youth include its active involvement in Junior Achievement serving as advisors. Saxon is also about to launch its high-school based investment club.
Category: Business
