Scholarship winner Cree Dunn describes herself as having had “various interests” when she graduated from Bermuda High School for Girls.
Happily, she was able to incorporate many of them into her first degree, in economics, journalism, media and communications, at the University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom.
The 22-year-old, from Devonshire, recently graduated with upper second class honours and is set to begin a two-year master’s degree in law at the University of Bristol in September.
“I’ve enjoyed the flexibility my course offered the most,” Ms Dunn said.
“This joint honours degree has allowed me to continue to explore all of those interests as well as the various career paths I could take.
“Alongside economics and journalism, I’ve taken electives in politics, law, data analysis and public health studies.”
She said the breadth and scope of her undergraduate degree provided a “strong, well-rounded foundation of knowledge to support a transition into studying law” and helped her develop skills in many areas.
Majoring in economics deepened her understanding of how businesses and markets operate, while the communications component of her course allowed her to develop strong written and verbal skills.
Ms Dunn learnt to use coding language to interpret complex data and observe statistical relationships and she also studied digital media and data analytics.
“These complementary disciplines have not only equipped me with the tools to think critically and communicate effectively but also are valuable skills in a fast-paced, interconnected corporate environment,” she said.
“I am keen to further explore the intersection of business, law and public engagement through legal study.”
Thankful for support
Her higher education has been possible thanks to scholarships from Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies, the Association of Bermuda International Companies and the island’s English Speaking Union, as well as recent financial support from the Ministry of Education.
Ms Dunn said she was “extremely grateful” to all the organisations for helping “immensely to ease the financial burden of university”.
Just as important as the monetary component, she explained, was the mentoring support she received from the scholarship committees.
The former Harrington Sound Primary School pupil cited her first mentor, Elizabeth Deacon, as having had a “huge impact on my journey”.
Ms Dunn said: “From my time interning for PartnerRe, she encouraged me to get involved within the company and explore all aspects of the reinsurance business.
“Whilst at PartnerRe, I worked with the business communications, legal and underwriting teams.
“I was encouraged to get involved with the Abir (Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers) summer intern initiatives, which were offered to the interns of member companies.
“The workshops I participated in led me to make connections with the Abir team and, later on, to intern with the organisation myself. Elizabeth also introduced me to public relations opportunities in the UK.”
Her Abir internship allowed Ms Dunn to work on projects about immigration and the cost of living and doing business in Bermuda. It also inspired her honours dissertation on the impact of the global minimum tax on low-tax jurisdictions with established offshore financial centres.
Ms Dunn took part in BFIS’s overseas summer internship scheme, describing how the two-week programme in Chicago “expanded my world view”.
She said: “I encourage any student interested in the industry to take part in the programme.
“The opportunity to travel abroad put into perspective how many opportunities there are for young Bermudians but also how influential our island is within the global reinsurance industry.”
Having loved her time in Scotland “minus the cold and wet weather,” she is now excited to start her law conversion course.
“I’ve made so many friends and have learnt to step outside of my comfort zone, living so far from home,” she said.
“The ultimate goal is to return to Bermuda and contribute to the legal profession and the wider community. However, I am open to gaining experience abroad before doing so.”
She had this advice to offer Bermudian students heading to university this autumn: “Be open: to learning new things, meeting new people and putting yourself out there professionally.
“This is the time to explore and figure out what truly makes you happy and fulfilled in life.”
