by Stuart Roberts
A few exceptional, young international business employees traverse a less travelled road.
This has certainly been the case for Micah Henschke, 24, who recently received an Association of Bermuda International Companies scholarship funded by Bermuda International Long-Term Insurers and Reinsurers, as well as the Shernelle M. Outerbridge Memorial Award from Zurich Bermuda.
Mr Henschke spent this summer as a finance intern at Athene and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Regent University.
“My journey has not been a straight line,” he said. “I initially stepped away from school to help contribute financially after my mother underwent emergency surgery. What began as a temporary pause lasted longer than I expected, for just over two years, and there was a point when I genuinely questioned whether I would ever return to school.”
During that period, Mr Henschke worked at the Hamilton Princess as a pool attendant and was quickly promoted to pool supervisor because of his work ethic, leadership qualities and communication skills, managing a team of eight staff members.
“I was working full-time and also took on evening shifts in the laundry department to earn additional income and help contribute financially at home,” he said.
“Although I was no longer in school at the time, that period taught me a lot about responsibility, leadership, work ethic and perseverance.
“It also helped me mature and eventually become much clearer about the career and future I wanted to pursue.”
Mr Henschke’s mother has made a full recovery, which is something he says he is extremely grateful for as family is extremely important to him.
“Through God’s grace, the surgery was successful and she was able to recover,” he said.
“Seeing her healthy again after everything she went through is something I am incredibly grateful for.
“Going back to education required me to rebuild my confidence and become much more intentional about the future I wanted for myself.
“Balancing work, education, finances and personal responsibilities has not always been easy, but it taught me that a pause does not have to mean the end of your journey. Those experiences have made me more resilient, disciplined and determined to build a meaningful career.”
During his career so far, he has observed how people within Bermuda’s international business community are willing to invest their time in young professionals.
“At Athene I have been given a career mentor and my supervisors regularly check in with me throughout the week,” he said.
“They do not simply assign work, they take the time to explain why the work matters, answer any questions I may have and help me to understand how my responsibilities connect to the wider business.
“Professionals in other departments have also been open to coffee chats and conversations about their roles, career paths and lessons they have learned along the way.
“Through Athene, Abic and Biltir, I have gained access to professionals who have helped me recognise possibilities for my future that I may not have seen on my own.
“Their support has strengthened my confidence and reminded me that success is rarely achieved alone. Having people who are willing to share their knowledge, provide guidance and encourage my development has been extremely valuable as I continue building my career.”
