Taj Lowery and Kiara Burcher were the recipients of the first KPMG Captive Scholarship, established in collaboration with the Bermuda Captive Network.
The award, valued at up to $30,000 per year, provides them with financial support throughout their degrees, access to KPMG’s Lift Off Programme, and the opportunity to take part in KPMG’s Global Advantage Programme, a four-day leadership programme at one of the firm’s global offices.
The recipients will rotate through KPMG’s Audit, Tax and Advisory departments and gain practical experience through secondments at a captive insurance company, supported by a career coach and performance manager.
This autumn, Mr Lowery will pursue postgraduate studies in Enterprise Risk Management at Columbia University, while Ms Burcher will be study for a Master of Data Analytics at the University of Western Ontario in Canada.
RG Scholarship Winners spoke with both about their scholarship success and ambitions.
RG: When applying for the scholarship, how did you try to make yourself stand out from the competition?
TL: I focused on presenting a well-rounded profile – someone who’s academically strong, civically engaged, and deeply interested in how insurance intersects with innovation. I highlighted my experience at KPMG, my community involvement in Bermuda and New York, and my academic work around regulation and risk. I also conveyed how I could contribute to the captive insurance space long-term.
KB: My primary goal was to present my authentic self. I’ve consistently dedicated myself to networking, public speaking, and gaining a deep understanding of my chosen field. Moreover, my personal experiences have significantly contributed to my growth. I wanted KPMG to see the genuine person they would be investing in, showcasing my personality and the dedication I’ve poured into my academic and personal development. I am proud of my journey and genuinely grateful that KPMG recognised my potential.
RG: What advice would you give to others when applying for a scholarship?
KB: Always be your genuine self. While it’s important to adhere to professional, no one should compromise their core beliefs. Bermuda boasts a diverse array of talent, precisely because of everyone’s unique contributions. A resume may open the door, but genuine personality and character are what will truly carry someone forward in any professional environment.
TL: Be honest about your story – where you’ve been, what you’ve learnt, and where you want to go. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge areas where you’re still growing. Show initiative and curiosity, especially about the industry the scholarship is tied to. I’d also recommend taking the time to make your application thoughtful and personal. That effort really comes through.
RG: How has the KPMG Captive Scholarship made a difference for you?
TL: It’s been a transformative opportunity – not just financially, but also in terms of exposure and credibility. It reaffirmed my academic and professional goals while opening doors to meaningful connections within the industry.
KB: For me too, it’s been transformative, offering me financial stability, job security, and invaluable networking opportunities. As a student, a secured work experience post-university is incredibly reassuring. It provides a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the dynamic field of captive insurance, where I haven’t extensively explored yet.
RG: Why does the captive insurance industry appeal to you?
TL: Because it combines strategic risk management, innovation, and real-world impact. I’m drawn to how captives give companies control over their risk by tailoring coverage – especially for emerging exposures like cyber – and turning insurance costs into long-term assets.
KB: The industry appeals to me due to my limited prior exposure to it. Having worked in the re/insurance industry since starting university, I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge, and I’m eager to continue expanding my expertise within one of the world’s leading domiciles for captive insurance.
RG: What is your career ambition?
TL: My goal is to become a leader in risk and insurance – someone who understands both the technical and strategic dimensions of the industry. I want to help companies and governments anticipate and manage emerging risks more effectively, especially as technology and regulation continue to evolve.
KB: To leverage my skills in predictive analytics and automated processing as an actuary to provide companies with invaluable data-driven insights. Data holds the key to uncovering stories and answering critical questions that can propel the insurance industry forward. I am enthusiastic about the opportunities to unlock those answers.
