The Association of Bermuda International Companies marked a significant milestone in July by awarding 27 scholarships valued at $740,000.
We spoke with two of these promising young scholarship winners, who are now well on their way to successful careers in international business.
Precious Hayward, 24, will be better able to complete her final year at Arizona State University thanks to her Abic scholarship sponsored by PartnerRe.
“If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone thinking about applying for scholarships or
university, it would simply be this: go for it,” Ms Hayward said.
“Follow that dream. Apply for that scholarship. Apply to that university. You may just surprise yourself. I know I did, and I continue to surprise myself every day.”
Thanks to her scholarship, Ms Hayward will be participating in an International Educational Exchange Study Abroad programme in Japan.
“Looking back, I never imagined I would be preparing for my final year of university while
also preparing to study abroad. Sometimes all it takes is one leap of faith,” she said.
“I am excited to experience cultures beyond the classroom. Learning from people, experiencing new traditions, exploring international business, and even taking cooking classes as the culinary arts have always been one of my passions.
“To me, studying abroad isn’t just about earning credits; it’s about growing as a person and gaining a broader understanding of the world.”
She said that by networking she has met “incredible people” who have offered advice, encouragement, and opportunities that she never expected.
“Some have become mentors, while others simply shared words that changed the course of my life,” she said.
“One conversation while I was serving a customer at the Hamilton Princess coffee shop about three years ago ultimately led me to Arizona State University. That experience taught me you never know which conversation could change your future.”
Carleigh Rodney, 18, received an Abic scholarship to attend Dalhousie University, and completed her first internship with Arch this summer.
“During the Abic application process, I focused on being my authentic self by presenting a genuine portrayal of my interests and career goals,” Ms Rodney said.
“I emphasised my willingness to learn and take on new challenges while growing within the industry. Overall, I think my authenticity, along with my work ethic and initiative, helped me stand out from among the other applicants.”
She stressed the importance of creating a good first impression with everyone you meet.
“You never know who you might cross paths with again in the future, so being kind and approachable can go a long way.
“My biggest piece of advice would be to be genuine and show who you are. If you work hard and stay true to yourself, that will come across.”
Ms Rodney s looking forward to developing academically and professionally while learning from and collaborating with others.
“I’ve found that many professionals are eager to help and want to see young people succeed,” she said.
“The people I worked with were always open to answering questions and created an encouraging environment where I felt supported to learn and grow.
“Through these experiences, I’ve gained new perspectives, built meaningful connections, and developed a stronger understanding of the industry.
“It wasn’t always easy. I got here by consistently pushing myself and taking on new opportunities, even when they fell outside of my comfort zone.
“There were definitely challenges along the way, and I often felt overwhelmed, especially when adjusting to new environments.
“At times, I doubted myself, but those experiences helped me build confidence and resilience, ultimately preparing me for what’s to come.”
For 49 years, Abic’s scholarship programme has invested more than $20 million to support more than 820 Bermudian students.
To learn more about this life-changing initiative, visit abic.bm/education/abic-education-awards.
