Crafting a meticulously thought-out Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a critical step when applying for a scholarship, as it not only outlines academic qualifications, but it can make the difference between being short-listed for an interview and being passed over for an award.

So, with your future at stake, where do you start?

I sat down with Heather Mello, head of human resources at Conduit Reinsurance, and a member of the Scholarship Award Committee for the Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC), to get some advice regarding how to draft a CV that highlights your goals and strengths in a way that aligns with the values of the scholarship provider.

If you have never needed to create a CV before, how do you suggest that an applicant gets started?

“The absolute first place to start for me is traditional pen and paper,” said Ms Mello. “Think about where you want to go to school and what you wish to study and how that links to what you have been doing during your time in High School.”

Taking the time to make notes on paper “will help you gather your thoughts and decide what are the most important pieces that tell a positive and truthful story of you as a candidate,” she explained.

Is it a good idea to use an online CV template?

Ms Mello said yes, but it should not be your only resource. She recommended looking at a variety of templates sourced from working parents, school guidance counsellors, as well as Microsoft Word. “LinkedIn is also a great place to look for ideas,” she said. “A simple search for “resume writing” on the home page will produce a wealth of articles, interviews and posts from recruiters on the topic.”

Also, keep in mind that if you are applying for multiple scholarships, it is worth the effort to customise your CV a bit to showcase the details most relevant to each individual application.

Would you recommend asking ChatGPT to write your CV?

While she admitted that she has yet to encounter anyone who has attempted this, Ms Mello believes that there are pros and cons to this idea. “I think it would be fine to use an AI tool as a source of ideas regarding what types of things to say, but AI does not know you as a person so it will never portray your true value as well as you can do it yourself,” she said.

If you don’t have a lot of content for your CV, what should you do?

Recruiters and scholarship committees understand that students don’t necessarily have a lot of work experience to put on their resume. “Just put down the things that make you stand out and the steps you are taking to prepare for your intended career and course of study,” she said.  Whatever you do, avoid exaggerating or including untrue information. “A scholarship committee or a potential employer will eventually uncover exaggerations, and if there are exaggerations that come to light during the interview and selection process, you could be excused from the candidate pool,” she cautioned.

Besides good grades, what sort of things are the scholarship sponsors looking for in an application?

“This is a situation where spelling and grammar definitely matter so it is also a good idea to get someone to proofread everything before you submit it,” said Ms Mello. “It may sound simple, but a clear and complete application goes a long way when committees or recruiters are developing their candidate pool. If the scholarship is based on financial need, for example, be sure to disclose not just your family’s true ability to contribute to the cost of your education, but also the details of your backup plan if you are not successful in obtaining a scholarship.”

It’s also important to take the time to provide a complete picture of who you are by including your community service involvements, volunteer experiences, and any part-time or summer employment.

What are some of the most misunderstood aspects of the scholarship application process?

According to Ms Mello, a failure to believe in yourself might just be your biggest obstacle. “If you do not even apply, you take yourself out of the race before it has even started,” she said.

More importantly, understand that from the moment you embark on your quest for a scholarship award, you will be expected to demonstrate exemplary conduct both on and offline at all times. As an award recipient, you will be deemed to be representing your school, your family, your country as well as the company that has provided your scholarship, and poor grades or inappropriate conduct of any kind can result in the loss of your scholarship.

General tips for preparing for a scholarship interview:

Carefully read the details of the scholarship that you are applying for and come prepared to discuss them. For example, if you are applying for an ABIC scholarship, you should certainly be prepared to answer questions related to the business categories that ABIC supports.

Be ready to discuss not just what you want to study but also why you have chosen this path and how you see yourself giving back to Bermuda once you have completed your education.

Be ready to discuss how you have learned from your experiences, mentioning things that you have listed on your CV.

Keep a cool head and remember that the selection committee wants to help Bermudian students achieve their career and educational goals.

The application process for any scholarship can be a difficult task, but very rewarding if handled properly. Spending time and effort to research the entire process is an essential part of the exercise.

The post Make Your CV Stand Out appeared first on RG Magazines.

For many students, the dream of continuing their postgraduate studies can feel out of reach. For those with ambition, talent and a desire to give back to the community, BF&M has created a postgraduate scholarship that will help to alleviate potential financial barriers with a $20,000 postgraduate scholarship awarded to a deserving recipient.

When former group chairman and chief executive of BF&M, John Wight, retired in 2022, the company decided it would be a fitting tribute to create a scholarship in his honour, with a focus on providing financial aid for a student with a commitment to giving back to the community no matter their field of study.

At the time the scholarship was announced, Mr Wight expressed his appreciation for a retirement gift that would have an enduring impact on the community. While the selection of the recipient is handled by an internal scholarship committee, Mr Wight was very pleased with the 2023 awardee, Etteleon Burchall, and readily offered guidance in support of her future aspirations.

Ms Burchall is now working towards a masters of science degree in public health policy at the University of London, which the scholarship will help her continue to pursue. As a member of the Pandemic Response Unit in 2021, Ms Burchall recognised there was a gap as well as a number of challenges that were exposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. When receiving the award last year, Ms Burchall told The Royal Gazette that her goal was to “propose and advocate for polices that reduce healthcare disparities and ensure that health remains a fundamental human right.”

What was clear to the scholarship committee when considering the candidates was their community focus and desire to give back to Bermuda. Out of the 61 candidates, Ms Burchall stood out for her “resilience, determination and commitment to making a difference in the community, as well as being an overall wonderful human”. That made a big impression on the committee.

“What is really important to us, and aligns with what BF&M is today, was someone who has the desire to give back through their studies,” said scholarship committee member Stephanie Hanson, EVP and group chief operating officer at BF&M. “The difference with this postgraduate scholarship is that for us, it’s a stepping stone for those with ambition and talent but perhaps without the financial means for postgraduate study. Alleviating those financial barriers, we are empowering a deserving student who shows that promise in their academic and professional pursuits,” she added.

While academic excellence is an important factor in the ideal recipient, Ms Hanson said that it’s more about a level of academic commitment the committee is looking for.

“We also weigh heavily: leadership potential, the drive and desire to give back to the community, evidence of community involvement, and a clear vision of how their studies will contribute to their career goals, and how the scholarship will make a difference in their ability to pursue that higher education,” Ms Hanson explained.

There is a financial needs component to the award and they believe in the importance of levelling the playing field by giving a student the opportunity to achieve their goals without also dealing with the stress and burden of financial worries.

“One thing that came out loud and clear during the first year of selecting a recipient were the sacrifices that so many students are making to achieve their goals,” said Ms Hanson. “We see there’s a broader societal benefit by supporting those students and we see it as investing in future leaders and innovators who will drive positive change in the community.”

She noted that it’s important for candidates to hone in on exactly what is driving them to further pursue their field of study. “It’s great to want to do something because you like to do it but there needs to be more focus on the why. What we’re looking for is for someone that for them, this is important to them, for example, to improve the health of the Bermuda population or whatever the goal might be. But there is a clear drive to use their studies for the betterment of themselves and others,” Ms Hanson said.

Applicants will also need to provide academic transcripts, a resume, a personal statement with their academic objectives and the significance the scholarship would make on their educational journey, as well as proof of financial need and letters of recommendation.

There is no specific criteria for field of postgraduate study, but applicants must be Bermudian, PRC or eligible to acquire PRC.

More information about the scholarship can be found on www.bermudascholarships.com. The 2024 application opens on March 1 with a deadline of April 30.

The post BF&M Creates New Scholarship appeared first on RG Magazines.

Trained bartenders and hospitality professionals are in demand and to help meet this demand, Bacardi launched it’s ‘Shake Your Future’ programme for unemployed or underemployed adults, aged 21 and over, in February 2023.

The first “cohort” of seven participants was so successful that cohort two, which began this month, was expanded to 10, and there are plans to extend the programme further.

As part of the free, ten-week programme, participants attend a four-week course at the European Bartending School (EBS) in London, before returning to Bermuda for four-weeks of work experience in a bar or restaurant. They also learn personal branding and marketing skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, and personal presentation.

The most intensive part of the programme is the EBS course, which, said Alana Rogers, director of human resources for the Bacardi offices in Bermuda, “is not a walk in the park. It involves learning all the key brand spirits.”

But, she added, “not only are they learning about the products, they are learning where they are made, what their ingredients are, and, to top it off, they have to learn 66 recipes. They have to know those recipes, they have to be able to write them, talk about them, and demonstrate them.”

Students attend classes for up to seven hours a day, Monday to Friday, and are tested each day on what they learned the previous day, with a cumulative test at the end. The result is life-changing.

“Participants have expressed profound gratitude, often stating that the programme has been transformative, positively impacting and changing their lives,” said Ms Rogers who added that all the graduating participants were offered full time jobs. Top graduate, Keirra Lee, even went on to become the first woman to win the Taste of Bermuda: Set the Bar Cocktail competition, in October.

‘Shake Your Future’ is popular. There were over 100 applicants each for cohorts one and two. How, therefore, can you make your application stand out?

Once open for applications, contenders can apply through the Bermuda Job Board thanks to a partnership between Bacardi and the Department for Workforce Development.

A selection team reviews and sorts the resumes, then invites a number of applicants to an interview, skills assessment and personality assessment. If shortlisted, applicants are invited back for a further interview and potentially a demonstration.

Successful applicants need to “exhibit a willingness to dedicate extensive hours to study and practicing daily,” she said. “It isn’t just the recipes that they have to learn, they have to learn to make them. There is also an element of flair in the bartending programme. They have to show a willingness to be creative and willing to put on a show as a bartender and, or, mixologist.”

Beyond the technical bartending requirements, they also look for people, who, during the course of their internship, will demonstrate a “strong work ethic”, commitment to “teamwork” and an “open-minded approach to learning”. While previous work experience is a bonus, it doesn’t have to be in hospitality. The panel is open to people transferring from a different industry.

“We’re looking for people who don’t just want to settle for being a bartender or mixologist. We’re hoping they will contribute to making Bermuda a first-class tourism and hospitality industry,” she explained.

Looking to the future, Bacardi is in discussions with the Bermuda College about a potential bartending course on island, which would make the programme more sustainable in the longer term. They also hope to form partnerships with Florida International University and the World Flair Association.

“Our aim is to elevate bartending mixology services and skills in Bermuda to a new level. And, we want those who are spending their dollar to come to Bermuda, to have an experience that will last them a lifetime. We feel they can do that by coming into contact with those who work in the hospitality industry,” said Ms Rogers.

Bacardi will announce when applications for cohort 3 are available. When that happens, go to bermudajobboard.bm and type ‘Shake Your Future’ in the search box for more information.

The post Bright Future for Bartenders appeared first on RG Magazines.

Cofounder Jay Kempe explained: “We are a little different, in the sense that we are trying to help those that are not considering applying for those types of scholarships. We are trying to help young men and women find their way. If it’s in the maritime world, that’s where we are perhaps best suited to help them, but it can be in anything. They can just learn technical skills, go off into air conditioning or whatever, so it’s kind of a broad thing.”

The financial options available could enable a young person to complete a diploma, gain water safety certification, or pay their way on an exciting voyage on the Spirit of Bermuda, the foundation’s purpose-built training vessel.

For those specifically interested in a career at sea, the Adam Goodwin Mariner Scholarship provides an annual $5,000 award.

Set up in memory of a former first officer on the Spirit, who died aged 22 in 2010, the scholarship is open to those with a love of the ocean, a desire to give back to the community and a plan for a career that combines the two. The deadline for applications is May 31.

Training and education officer Jamila Hanley said: “It’s all about financing the future of our students in maritime careers, whatever avenue that might be: engineering, captaining, first mate, crew, anything like that.

“It’s for tuition, living expenses, or travel expenses that are in conjunction with accumulating sea time, when mariners go on other boats and spend time at sea learning skills hands-on.”

Former recipients include Kristen Greene, now 2nd officer on a super yacht in the Mediterranean, Lamar Samuels, 2nd engineer on the Spirit of St George, Dkembe Outerbridge-Dill, lead seaman with Bermuda Marine and Ports, and Denzel Todd, captain of a ferry boat in the United Kingdom.

Another option for those who have been through the foundation’s middle school programme is to apply for a bursary based on financial need.

Ms Hanley said the organisation tries to track those youngsters who have already trained on Spirit so it can continue to help them as they get older. “We reach out to them and offer them these opportunities to come back on Spirit and learn more in-depth skills and, hopefully, it will start to pique an interest in them, to see where they want to go in the maritime field,” she said.

Beneficiaries don’t have to be intent on a maritime career; they just need to be looking to further their skills. “The bursaries are just for any developmental trajectories that any of our students might show interest in,” said Ms Hanley. “As long as they are committed to Spirit and they spent time on Spirit, we are willing and able to offer them these bursaries.”

Past voyages have included trips to the US, Canada, the Caribbean and the Azores.

Ms Hanley said the charity was acutely aware of the financial challenges faced by many young people and their families and how that could impact their ability to join a voyage. It gave about $10,000 in bursaries last year, divided between several recipients.

As well as offering the scholarship and bursaries, the foundation partners with the Government’s workforce development department, enabling young people to complete internationally-recognised water safety courses and other training. “They help to sponsor apprenticeships and career development for our crew, and anybody else who is interested in a professional career,” said Ms Hanley. “They’ve financed at least five of our employees to go through their certifications and training and future career development.”

Board member Martha Kirkland said the partnership provided young people with “actual career experience”, as well as the chance to gain globally-recognised skills.

Ms Hanley urged anyone interested in any of the schemes to get in touch. “We want to change as many lives as we can,” she said.

Visit bermudasloop.org for more information.

The post Hit the High Seas appeared first on RG Magazines.

“Students in Bermuda are very fortunate,” said Mrs Ross. “We are a small population and there are so many businesses and individuals who give generously to support our student community. There are a variety of scholarships available as well as opportunities to apply for financial support and assistance.”

Mrs Ross works with students as they get closer to graduation, to help them excel during the university and scholarship application process. Part of that process involves learning to do well in an interview setting—a skill that will no doubt come in handy throughout a student’s life, whether applying for scholarships, internships or jobs in the future. But, before sitting down to that interview, there’s a lot of preparation that should take place beforehand so that students feel confident and focused during what can often be a nerve-wracking process.

The first piece of advice Mrs Ross and her colleagues offer students is to take themselves seriously. That means ensuring their social media accounts are appropriate. “Make sure what you post is professional, not risqué,” she said. “How you present yourself publicly has to show that you take pride in yourself, because if you don’t take yourself seriously you can’t expect someone else to.” She also advised everyone to have a sensible, not silly, email address. “You have to show your best self.”

Students are encouraged to keep their resumé up to date. That way students have it ready to go when it’s needed. Many schools have resumé experts come in to help students write effective, professional resumés and to ensure that students are branding themselves appropriately. “Students who have had the opportunity to work with a resumé expert say it’s very insightful,” said Mrs Ross. Take advantage of it when these sessions are planned at your school.

Networking opportunities are also important. Mrs Ross said there are several fairs throughout the year that provide students with the chance to meet people and to learn to introduce themselves and make an impression. There’s the Bermuda College fair and the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies (BFIS) speed networking luncheons, which connect students with seasoned professionals in the industry, to name just two opportunities. “Learning to network and present yourself in a positive light can be really helpful,” she said. “If you end up applying for an internship or scholarship, they might already know you. It can make all the difference if people have met you already and know you’d fit in well at their school or company.”

A good way to practice socialising in a professional environment can happen naturally at school. Greet visitors when they come to speak at your school. Ask questions at assemblies or in class, and use presentations as chances to overcome nerves. “Many schools already give students opportunities to speak out. Even assemblies are becoming more student led,” she said. “These are great ways to practise meeting people, and asking and answering questions.”

Signing up for practice interviews is also highly recommended. Many schools, particularly Ivy League institutions, require interviews. They may be held face-to-face or virtually, but practising in advance will help prepare students for either. “We do practice interviews ahead of time and often with an alum who’s been through it,” said Mrs Ross. They know what questions are likely to be asked and can give advice as to the best way to answer them. They can help students ensure their answers are polished, that they have thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview and that their body language matches the impression students want to give. Practising in advance can help students feel relaxed and confident when the interview finally arrives.

She also suggested students do some reading in advance. There is some excellent advice on the scholarship website BermudaScholarships.com. Scroll through the site for information and tips on what to expect during an interview.

For students applying for a named scholarship, Mrs Ross has a special tip: “Make sure you know about the person after whom the scholarship is named,” she said. “Find out about the history of the scholarship and why it was set it up. Think about why you would be a good person to meet the goals of that scholarship and the ideals of what they’re looking for.”

Finally, she tells students not to give up. “There are lots of scholarships for Bermudians. If you don’t get something, keep looking. Apply for everything you can.”

With all the opportunities available to support Bermudian students, and students so well prepared to succeed, something is sure to pan out.

The post How to ace the scholarship interview appeared first on RG Magazines.

There is over $5 million in scholarship money available to Bermudian students every year, and not all of it is claimed. For every award that goes neglected, unapplied for, and unclaimed each year, another Bermudian dream is deferred. Don’t defer your dreams. Get applying, and get moving on your future.

Recommended by the highly esteemed Ms Arlene Brock, the team of young intellectuals at Longtail Learning are already impressing some of Bermuda’s top academic minds. The company was founded in March 2023, and is all about enriching the local community with high quality tutoring, mentoring, and general academic guidance.

The Longtail Learning Team are more than happy to share their expertise with the students who are beginning to think about the scholarship application process.

“For the most part, applications are done online. The majority of scholarships are available through bermudascholarships.com. However, sometimes you have to go through the company or entity directly. For example, The Bermuda Hospitals Board Scholarship is not on the Bermuda Scholarships website. If there is a company you are interested in that you cannot find a scholarship for, search up the company and ‘scholarship,’ and there may be one available.

“From past experience, there are a few applications requiring documents delivered in person, so check application descriptions thoroughly.”

One of the biggest pitfalls of applying for scholarships is missing the deadline. Don’t miss the deadline. The vast majority of scholarship selection committees will not even open an envelope that arrives on their desks late. The Longtail Team offered a strategy to keep in mind:

“We recommend aiming to submit at least a couple days before the deadline. Your application will not be accepted if it is late. It is necessary to take your time with these applications, so start early. Make sure you write down all your deadlines, so you are not scrambling to obtain documents last minute, and you’re mainly doing final checks in the last days before the deadline.”

Be as organised as you possibly can. Always be aware of deadlines. Put them in the calendar on your phone; set alerts five days before a deadline; set reminders to collect required documents in due time; and always double check everything in your envelope or electronic file before you press that submit button.

There a certain ‘golden rules’ that every applicant should be mindful of as well. These revolve around allowing your personality to shine through in your application package, having integrity, and generally presenting a case that will make a selection committee want to invest in you.

“Be genuine. Do your research. Apply to as many scholarships as possible, and don’t be intimidated. Do not reuse the same essay for a different scholarship. Do practice interviews and have others read the documents you plan to submit.”

The team at Longtail Learning have you covered if you need further guidance, and especially if you don’t think you can afford tutoring, or academic support beyond public school.

“Longtail Learning is a free service made up of university students who have recently been through the scholarship application process. Over the next four to five months, our goal is to streamline the process and provide guidance from our past experiences. We will be posting weekly on our Instagram – www.instagram.com/longtaillearning/ – and creating informational documents, including guides for the required documentation, a master spreadsheet for all available scholarships, and sample templates.

“Further along the process we will be doing interview prep and mock interviews. We are, however, always looking to be efficient, and greatly appreciate feedback on what we are currently offering and what others would like to see more of. While we plan to act more like an information bank, we are also able to do individual or group mentoring sessions.”

Well that’s just about the perfect resource for Bermudian students who look at the wealth of scholarships on offer and get confused and overwhelmed. That’s right. You’re not the only one!

The post Applying to the World appeared first on RG Magazines.

Since 2018, over 40 grants and some $100,000 has been provided to Bermuda’s athletes and teams in a range of sports including football, tennis, and Ms Duffy’s own sport in which she won an Olympic gold, triathlon. Support from the grant can range from equipment costs, travel expenses, training fees, event registration fees and coaching, among other financial needs.

Ms Duffy sees a lot of sporting talent on the island, and while interest in the fund has continued to grow, and has sustained itself over the past five years, Ms Duffy hopes to help continue to build the fund so that it carries on helping as many Bermuda athletes as possible to achieve their goals in the years to come.

“There is a lot of young sporting talent in Bermuda and my goal with the Flora Fund is to provide financial support to broaden that development pathway,” she said. “There have been many great performances by Bermudian athletes over the years, and I hope the young athletes take note that being a world champion, an Olympic medalist or playing overseas on a professional club is possible. If the Flora Fund plays a small role in making that happen then the fund will have been a success.”

For those thinking of applying for the fund, Ms Duffy said to take the leap and apply: “I have always believed that sport has the ability to change lives and open doors to new opportunities,” said Ms Duffy. “Whether that be simply as building friendships, to competing overseas, to earning university scholarships.”

The applicants must show financial need and dedication to their sport, said Ms Duffy and while the selection process, which is managed by the Bermuda Community Foundation, is not based on talent or the potential to be a top athlete, those things have certainly aligned in the past for recipients.

“We’ll consider each case on its merits, given there is truly a financial need that would limit participating in a specific event or season’s sport,” she said. “The fund has helped numerous athletes over the last five years across a wide range of sports – from tennis, gymnastics, football, track and triathlon to name few,” Ms Duffy added. “My hope is that it has given athletes the opportunity that would otherwise have not been possible due to financial constraints.”

The Flora Fund is administered by the Bermuda Community Foundation and is available for individual athletes and sports organisations. The number of awards and amounts varies per year. Requirements include Bermudian or PRC status and a completed Flora Fund application form. For more information, visit theflorafund.com.

The post Five Years on for Flora Fund appeared first on RG Magazines.

The short answer is “not really”, according to Sandra Dill of Mirrors.

“US colleges and Canadian colleges give students visas upon acceptance so it’s pretty straightforward once they are admitted. In the UK, of course, Bermudians don’t need a visa if they have a British passport but is it easier to go one way or the other? Not necessarily.”

Mirrors’ goal is to “empower young people to reach their potential through personal transformation”.

As the programme’s Peer Forward manager, Ms Dill provides resources and guidance for students at The Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy as they transition from high school to college and employment.

For anyone considering the UK, she lets them know upfront that getting into university there is more challenging if they haven’t already completed a UK-type programme.

“If a student has done A-levels, if they’ve done [the International Baccalaureate] programme or anything like that, they can possibly get right into a UK business degree programme. But, if they have not gotten A-levels or IB, or extended type work, they will likely have to start off with a foundation year programme.”

While most students still head to the US and Canada for university, more are headed across the pond than in past years. Tuition is one of the drivers.

“The UK universities, the majority of them, because they’re all government-run universities, are $12,000 for the year,” Ms Dill said. In the US, community colleges begin at around $25,000, while universities can run as high as $60,000.

“And then there’s a difference whether it’s a public or private institution. So there’s a bigger variation in price range in the US, but there’s still quite a few students who go to the US because we’re used to travelling to the US for vacations. It’s close, we have family there and so forth.

“In Canada they really differentiate a lot between colleges and universities. Colleges offer diplomas and some undergraduate degrees and basically start at around $17,000, whereas universities like Western University and University of Toronto, they are $40,000 and up.”

Most of the children she sees through the Mirrors programme leave high school and head straight into university. “Some will work and go to the Bermuda College because the Bermuda College is around $3,000 for the year. So it’s a great way to start. They can go to the Bermuda College, earn transferable credits while there for a year or two. When they’re ready to go to university in the US – if that’s where they choose to go – they can transfer those credits and only do two years as opposed to four.”

During February, Mirrors hosted a programme called Finding Funds for College. As the name implies, the idea is to let people know about all the options there are. Many students apply for scholarships; some parents take out a loan.

“Many people have savings,” Ms Dill said. “They may have a Heritage savings plan or something like that and that probably would help fund [costs].”

Most important to remember is that tuition is only part of the cost of education.

“I’m not talking about accommodation, I’m not talking about the airfare to get there, I’m not talking about books, I’m not talking about laptops, iPads and subscriptions. There are lots of fees attached,” Ms Dill added.

But, there’s more than cost to consider when deciding which country to study in.

“For some it’s just a matter of what they’re comfortable with. Some people don’t want to go all the way to England to go to school. Some have family in the US or Canada, some have siblings who have gone before them so they continue that legacy. There are multiple reasons that one would choose to go to the US or Canada instead.”

Although it depends on the school, getting into a North American university can be “a bit easier”.

“They look more holistically at the individual whereas in the UK, their focus is mainly your grades and your personal statement. And your personal statement is very focused on how prepared you are for the programme that you’re applying to.

“In the UK, you are not applying to the college per se, you’re applying to the programme at the college. In the US you can apply to, say Georgia State University, and go into any programme. When you’re applying to the UK, you’re applying directly to the programme and the entry requirements for the programme are what get you in.”

In the US, students embark on a four-year undergraduate programme versus three years in Britain. “Your first year of university in the US you are doing courses that will prepare you for your degree. In the UK you go in prepared for your degree. That’s what makes it a little bit more challenging, because if you want to study finance and you’ve not taken any finance courses in high school, then you will need to take those courses in what they call their foundation year to be able to enter into the degree.

“So, when you’re going to the UK, one of the most important things is to be pretty clear about the degree you want to study. And that’s what the essays are about: what it is you want to study and why you are a good fit for that programme.”

A big bonus to Bermudian students in the UK is that they can get to work in their profession as soon as they graduate. “You don’t need a work visa because you’re a British citizen whereas in the US, in Canada, you will have to apply for a visa and there’s no guarantee you’re going to get it.”

The post Costs and Requirements of International Study appeared first on RG Magazines.

According to student adviser Lyndon Jackson, there are many traps to watch out for as young people adjust to the responsibility of taking care of their own money. “For some students, it will be the first opportunity to be away from home where they are managing their own financing,” said Mr Jackson, the acting director of the Counselling & Career Centre at Bermuda College. “They’re going to be making all these decisions about how they use their time and how they go about their academics, and they’re also having to figure out how to manage their finances. We know that university can be stressful. You really don’t want to add the whole stress of financing to that plate.”

Mr Jackson, whose team provides financial advice to College students before they fly out to university, said common mistakes include failing to track your spending, living beyond your means and not establishing a routine over spending your money.

Breaking your budget as a student is traumatic enough at the time, but racking up debt can also have consequences later in life, when a poor credit rating harms your chances of buying a house. Mr Jackson shared some top tips to make sure you stay in budget.

Adopt the right mindset

Many Bermudians have a penchant for the expensive things in life. But if you’re on a tight budget, you need to think differently. “As Bermudians, we love things that are brand-based. We tend to go for that expensive one,” Mr Jackson said. “There are certain places you can shop when you think of managing your money. It may not be name-brand stuff, but it’s still of the same quality and will be less expensive.”

You should also take advantage of discounts for groceries, travel and entertainment, and sign up for loyalty cards.

“Bermudians may think, ‘I’m not getting a discount!’ But no, you need to shift that mindset. Discounts are going to help you tremendously. Don’t be too proud. Stretch your dollar or pound and make it go a little further for you.” 

Learn to say “no”

“This is a big thing,” Mr Jackson said. “You may see something expensive in the store that you don’t really need. You have to say ‘no’ to buying that. Instead of thinking about what you want, think about what you need.”

This also applies to socialising. “It may be that you’ve spent all you can spend for the week, then Ace Boy or Ace Girl comes along and says, ‘Let’s go out!’ But, if you haven’t got any money, and you can’t go out without going into an overdraft, you have to be able to say no.”

This doesn’t mean you can never go out – just pick your moments more strategically. “You can think about when your opportunities might come along to go out. If you’re forming good relationships, they’ll understand because you’re all in the same boat. It’s just really feeling secure about the decisions you make and remembering how they connect to your ultimate goal and sticking to that.”

If you find it difficult to make mature decisions, try surrounding yourself with people who have clear goals. “That helps you shift your mindset,” Mr Jackson said.

 Seek help if you get into difficulty

Universities have support services such as financial aid offices, but not all students take advantage of them. “If you get into difficulties, you need to seek help and be open to the resources that can help you, rather than allowing that hole to get so huge that you’re unable to get out of it,” Mr Jackson said. “Reach out for help as quickly as you can when you feel like you’re going down that rabbit hole. They know how to help people going through hardship.” 

Explore your options and seize opportunities

There are many ways of boosting your bank balance while you’re at university. “There are a lot of scholarships out there and often they’re not taken up,” Mr Jackson said. Reduced fees are available in the US via schools that have relationships with Bermuda, while Bermudian students in the UK are eligible for the same kind of funding or loans as British students.

“If a local authority is offering anything, you can apply for it,” he pointed out. “There are a lot of opportunities to establish relationships with these entities to help your finances. Be savvy about what’s out there.”

Student loans are another option, but Mr Jackson said you should always seek a scholarship first. You can also use your time and skills to earn money.

“Young people are good at leveraging their skills. They may have a skill that somebody out there is prepared to pay them for. It could be teaching an instrument, or you could design T-shirts through a social media platform. You could get a part-time job, but you have to be very clear about how that fits into your schedule because you have to manage it through your academics.”

Think long-term

Mr Jackson learnt from personal experience that you need to bear in mind the consequences of your short-term decision-making. “When I was away in the UK, I purchased a stereo. It was the stupidest thing I could have done,” he recalled. “I didn’t pay for it all at once, I paid for it in installments. The stereo cost 100 pounds. At the end of all my payments I ended up paying 800 pounds for that stereo because I didn’t understand how that worked.

“The story gets worse because the stereo was stolen, so I was still paying for it when I didn’t even have it. You have to think long-term. How is this behaviour going to affect things down the line?”

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BSID was initially formed to create a social network for designers on the island and began offering scholarships to Bermudian students in 1992. To date, the society has distributed approximately $175,000, generated through fund-raising activities, to assist thirty-six students studying architecture and interior design.

What are the typical characteristics of a person who would be successful in a career in interior architecture?

“There’s a lot more to this sort of design work than just understanding colour theory and making things pretty,” said Darcy Robertson, design director at Commercial Interiors Group and BSID president. “Functional interior design is about determining where the walls are going to go and how the space is going to be configured.”

Are you able to visualize and conceptualise spaces? Are you outgoing and enjoy meeting people? Would you like to use your talents to create aesthetically pleasing and functional environments that improve quality of life? Then a career in interior architecture might be right for you.

“Interior architects typically excel in math, science, and technical skills – conceptualising spaces and the associated health and safety specifications is a very detailed and technical process,” Mr Robertson explained, “as is the ability to understand building codes, materials and construction methods.”

Interior designers frequently work closely with individuals from a variety of companies on a single project, so strong written and verbal communication, and collaboration skills are necessary, particularly when it comes to brainstorming solutions to unexpected challenges or changes.

Equally, the ability to listen to the client and embrace their ideas is important. “It is not about what we like personally as a designer, it is about understanding and embracing what the client wants to achieve and bringing that vision to life,” he said.

What is the BSID Award Selection Committee looking for in an applicant?

To qualify for a scholarship, an applicant must have already completed at least one year of a Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) programme and been accepted into their second year of either an undergraduate, or a graduate programme.

“The awards are open to Bermudians and PRC Holders (or eligible to acquire PRC) who also have a demonstrated financial need, and who have obtained an academic letter of recommendation as well as a personal letter of recommendation,” said Mr Robertson.

“Naturally, good grades are important, but the essay that we require applicants to write explaining in their own words why they chose to study interior design, and why they feel eligible to be a recipient of this award is a significant deciding factor because personal interviews are not part of our selection process.”

Why is now the ideal time to pursue a career in interior architecture?

“The pandemic showed us the importance of designing interior spaces that adapt to the new ways that we are living, working, and using space,” said Mr Robertson.

“As much as remote working will continue to be popular, you can’t always stay home. Interior architecture for offices, restaurants and retail now revolves around how to bring people safely into these spaces. It has also highlighted the importance of understanding the impact that the materials and finishes that are utilised within these spaces can have upon our health.”

What sort of career opportunities exist within the interior design industry in Bermuda?

“When you consider the range of companies that are members of the BSID, it’s easy to see just how many different types of opportunities exist,” he explained.

Some career opportunities are linked to architecture, such as tile, kitchen and bath suppliers, while others are linked to facilities and project management.

“Even overseas contractors who are doing work in Bermuda need to consult with local experts when it comes to determining whether materials and fittings will fit in shipping containers or whether prefabricated custom cabinets will fit into a stairwell,” he said.

How are advances in AI impacting the practice of interior architecture?

Mr Robertson felt that it was still unclear how advances in AI will impact the industry as a whole, but he strongly believes that there will always be a need for human designers. “AI can’t experience the emotional response that we feel when we enter a space. That is an intuitive response and we don’t all react the same way to our surroundings,” he said.

How is heightened environmental and sustainability awareness influencing the industry?

Particularly in the area of industrial design, Mr Robertson said it has become increasingly important to consider the product lifecycle of all of the materials and fittings that are being installed. Because, in Bermuda, all our building materials are imported, they already have a carbon footprint attached to them, and designers are continually being challenged to find new ways to repurpose existing elements instead of just sending them to the landfill.

A career in interior architecture offers a dynamic and rewarding path for individuals with a passion for design and spatial aesthetics. This profession allows for constant creativity and innovation and encourages individuals to become lifelong learners to stay ahead of evolving trends.

For more information on the BSID scholarship visit: www.bsid.bm/forms-applications

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