Event connects students with job opportunities
(L-R) Charlie Kirkconnell of CEC, summer intern Hollie Coleman and Dianne Conolly of NWDA at networking event
(CNS Local Life): A recent networking event offered students and recent graduates an opportunity to meet with potential employers at Cayman Enterprise City (CEC). The young people had all applied to CEC’s Enterprise Cayman “Summer in the City” internship programme. At the event, held 2 August at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, job seekers were able to meet CEC staff and professionals working within Cayman’s special economic zones (SEZs).
Students were given a chance to put their networking skills to the test and discuss their achievements and career goals, stated CEC press release, with SEZ members and CEC staff able to scout future talent while providing insight into their sectors.
This summer, 10 students gained internship and mentorship placements within Cayman’s SEZs, out of more than 60 individuals between the ages of 17 and 25 who applied and the almost half who were invited to interview. The networking event was developed last summer to ensure that every student who applied to Summer in the City was able to access SEZ professionals operating within CEC and discover the opportunities available.
“The Summer in the City programme aims to raise awareness of the innovative career opportunities being created by our SEZs project and provides a chance for students to implement their job application and networking skills,” said CEC CEO Charlie Kirkconnell in the press release.
“Ultimately, we’re helping to connect students with job opportunities within Cayman’s SEZs. We see this initiative as an important driver in the strategic development of talent within the Cayman Islands and in the future diversification and development of Cayman’s economy.”
During the event two SEZ members spoke to students about their industry, what they are working on and what a career path within their respective sectors looks like.
Dianne Conolly, training and development manager of the National Workforce Development Agency (NWDA), made a brief presentation which helped to raise awareness of the various programmes and services available to support and guide career development and employment efforts. Conolly told students to “…enjoy your school experiences, remember to network. You never know how these relationships will benefit your future. Be confident in who you are and what you offer and remember, you are competing on a global level.”
In addition, Summer in the City interns Kimberly Grant and Hollie Coleman spoke about their experiences at the event. After presentations, participants were encouraged to practise their networking skills and speak to SEZ technology entrepreneurs.
“It’s amazing that our Caymanian youth are being exposed to such high-calibre, cutting edge business people that have an interest in sharing their expertise. I truly believe the opportunities that the Summer in the City programme offers surpasses that of which students are able to access abroad,” said Jacqueline Schofield, parent of Noah, who is taking part in a mentorship placement with Mark Hall at Spark Limited SEZC.
The Summer in the City internship programme is open to Caymanians and residents of the Cayman Islands between the ages of 18 and 25. Placements last for one to two months during the summer months. Areas of placement include internet technology, science and technology, commodities and derivatives, maritime and aviation services, client services and business operations, marketing and communications, and urban planning and development.
For more information on internships, go to the Enterprise Cayman website. For the CEC jobs portal click here.
