Alexandra Gibbons

Local sales manager, Rosewood Tucker’s Point

 

How to Build on Early Success

“I started as a pop and sizzle ambassador when I was 18. I’m not sure that it directly led to my involvement in the hospitality industry, but it certainly led to the realisation that I desired a career involving continuous interaction with people.”

 

Collaborate

When it comes to running an award-winning resort successfully, Alexandra Gibbons believes that every department is just as important as the rest, saying, “Every department is vital—they all have to work together in order to achieve a high level of success.” In fact, on any given day Gibbons finds herself coordinating with housekeeping to ensure scheduled meeting rooms are set-up accordingly, briefing the front desk on certain groups due to arrive and booking relevant activities for high-profile clients. As Gibbons stresses, “Each of these departments plays a crucial role in contributing to the guests’ perception of the hotel. We don’t want a particular department to be great; they all need to great. We want the entire experience to be great.”

 

If At First You Don’t Succeed

Although determined to prevail, Gibbons took a while to find her niche in the hospitality industry, but her drive and passion eventually steered her in the right direction. “I had a lot of trouble figuring out exactly where I fit within the industry. After graduating from college, I was very anxious to find a position that allowed me to excel. This took a few tries. I knew I loved the industry and wanted to be part of it and thankfully it was through those attempts that led me to the career path I’m on today.”

 

TIMELINE

2008 – Graduated from Dalhousie University with a degree in sociology and social anthropology

2009 – Started as a general assistant in the food & beverage department at Rosewood Tucker’s Point

2011 – Promoted to reservations agent at Rosewood Tucker’s Point

2012 – Promoted to sales manager at Rosewood Tucker’s Point

 

 

Michael Anthony Bean

Server, Fairmont Hamilton Princess

 

How to Fit the Bill

Michael Anthony Bean is a people person. At 21 years old, he is refreshingly forthright about his zest for the hospitality industry and his determination to succeed.  His promotion from houseman to server in in-room dining makes it clear that Bean’s potential is not lost on the Fairmont Hamilton Princess either.

 

His secret?

Bean’s pleasant attitude towards hotel guests and helpful demeanour are part of a grander vision: “I am able to provide a high level of service that turns into great memories for guests. This in turn provides loyalty and hopefully a repeat guest to the island, which is beneficial for all." Certainly, one of Bean’s best qualities is his willingness to accept advice in whatever form it comes. “I am so fortunate and humbled to have been exposed to great role models and leaders within Fairmont who have offered advice, a kind word and inspiration,” says Bean. From here Bean hopes to excel further, but plans to keep his career within the Fairmont family. “I love that the Fairmont Hamilton Princess provides so many opportunities to learn and grow, which means that advancing in my career doesn’t have to involve going beyond the building!”

 

TIMELINE

2008, 2009 – Completed studies at CARE Computer Learning Centre and, after passing the Bermuda Education Standard, graduated in June 2009

2009 – Hired as a groundsman at Coral Beach Club

2010 – Hired as a houseman at Fairmont Hamilton Princess

2011 – Promoted to a server at Fairmont Hamilton Princess

 

 

Anchinesh Trott

Assistant vice president, relationship manager in investment services, Butterfield Group

 

How to Stand Out from the Crowd

“I started my career at Butterfield as a corporate trust administrator. After a year, I applied and was accepted in the Butterfield Management Training Programme (MTP), an 18-month rotational assignment designed to help develop the skills and expertise required to succeed in the financial-services industry. After successful completion of the MTP, I accepted a position as an investment-services specialist and was recently promoted to assistant vice president and relationship manager in investment services.”

 

Build Professional Relationships

Trott agrees that having built solid and respectful professional relationships with colleagues and clients has made doing her job easier and more enjoyable. “I am constantly in communication with fund administrators on a day-to-day basis, settling my client’s investments,” says Trott. “My job is to resolve any concerns as efficiently as possible and to provide quality customer service. It makes my job much easier when I have a good relationship with my internal/external customers as well as my co-workers. When I’m faced with rectifying an issue and have established a good rapport with the involved person, it makes it much easier to resolve the problem in an efficient manner.”

 

Speak Up

“When I was in the MTP, my biggest obstacle was public speaking. We held several events that required us to speak publicly and promote Butterfield as an employer of choice. However, after making several presentations it became quite natural.”

 

TIMELINE

2005 – Bermuda College associate degree in business administration

2005-07 – Hired as a corporate trust administrator at Butterfield Group

2007-08 – Participated in the Butterfield Group Management Trainee Programme

2008-12 – Promoted to investment services specialist at Butterfield Group

2011 – Recipient of the Monthly Service Leader Award from Butterfield Group

2012 – Recipient of the Annual Service Leader Award from Butterfield Group

2012 – Promoted to assistant vice president, relationship manager, investment services at Butterfield Group

 

 

Jonathan McBeath

Actuarial analyst, ACE Bermuda

 

How to Garner Support and Attention

“My interest in an actuarial career was sparked during my final year at Saltus when I attended the Student Career Fair and met Sean Ringsted, currently the chief risk officer and chief actuary for ACE Group. I was fortunate to secure subsequent summer internships with industry leaders and became convinced that my keen interest in the analytical aspects of science could be ideally applied in the business world as an actuarial analyst.”

 

Go In Search Of Support

Success is not achieved without support and opportunities, which came in the form of scholarships and grants for McBeath, who earned each one through hard work and impressive grades. These awards included the Nicholls Scholarship, the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies Scholarship, the Bank of Bermuda Foundation Scholarship and the Fessenden-Trott Scholarship. They afforded McBeath opportunites to broaden his understanding of the industry and to strengthen his desire for achievement.

 

Be Innovative

“I’d like to make an impact on the field—it’s difficult to know exactly how I might do this at such an early stage. But whether it’s introducing a new and cutting-edge technique from the statistical discipline to the insurance-pricing industry or researching an existing method to a new level, it’s certainly an ambition of mine at this point.”

 

TIMELINE

2005 – Received Associate of Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT) in piano performance

2006 – Recipient of the Fessenden-Trott Undergraduate Scholarship and the Bank of Bermuda Foundation’s Sir Henry Tucker Educational Grant

2007 – Recipient of The Nicholl Scholarship

2009 – Participated in the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies (BFIS) London Intro-to-Insurance summer intern programme to learn about the London insurance market

2010 – Graduated from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, with a BSc in economics, magna cum laude. Was named the Joseph Wharton Scholar, the Benjamin Franklin Scholar and was on the Dean’s List for 2008-2009

2010 – Recipient of the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies Overseas Scholarship

2010 – Actuarial summer student at Endurance Specialty Insurance Ltd, Bermuda.

2011 – Graduated from Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, U.K., with an MSc in applied statistics. Received the Gutierrez Toscano prize for best academic performance

2011 – Joined ACE Bermuda Insurance Ltd. as actuarial analyst. Has completed four actuarial exams and has another five to take before earning his actuarial designation

 

 

Antonia Mills

Assistant vice president of business development, Freisenbruch-Meyer Group

 

How to Thrive in a Competitive Market

Antonia Mills never saw herself working in the insurance industry, since her BA is in communications with a concentration in public relations. However, after several years in public relations and even a stint working in New York City in the fashion industry, Mills took a chance and accepted a job as the business development officer at Freisenbruch-Meyer Group. Although the career change was unexpected, Mills embraces her new role and all that it encompasses. “Since I am now in the insurance industry, I began taking insurance courses so that I would better understand the market, therefore allowing me to sell the company better,” says Mills. “I love what I do and love the insurance industry. I am confident that I can transition into any industry and adapt and excel.”

 

Know Your Industry

“If someone is interested in marketing or advertising, I would advise that person to get grounded with internships throughout college and to build a portfolio early. Once the industry in which he or she wants to work is decided, then learn as much as possible about competitors and consumer habits.”

 

Gain Exposure on All Levels

Although Mills works hard in her position at Freisenbruch-Meyer Group, she also is dedicated to taking her drive and ambition outside the office as well. As an active member of sorority Delta Sigma Theta, she has the ability to network with her sisters and share knowledge and information, which is beneficial to all involved. In addition, Mills was appointed to the Department of Tourism’s Junior Tourism Board in June 2012, where she hopes to be successful in making Bermuda a more lucrative visitor destination.

 

TIMELINE

2006 – Bermuda Tourism’s David Allen Summer Internship in NYC at Primetime Omni Media

2007 – Graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a BA in communications, concentration in public relations

2008 – Hired as junior public relations consultant at Troncossi Public Relations

2008 – Moved to New York City to pursue career in fashion industry. Worked at W magazine as accessories intern and KDC Worldwide (public relations firm) for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

2009 – Worked as a substitute teacher at Berkeley Institute

2009 – Hired as a receptionist at Aardvark Communications. Promoted to account services

2010 – Hired as business development officer at Freisenbruch-Meyer Group

2012 – Promoted to assistant vice president of business development, Freisenbruch-Meyer Group

 

 

Katie Shaw

Property treaty underwriter, Catlin Insurance Company Ltd.

 

How to Divide and Conquer the Corporate World

Katie Shaw didn’t graduate from university expecting to find her career right away. Instead, she was comfortable working on a temporary basis for Catlin, gaining knowledge and exposure for her future. After surviving Catlin’s super busy January first renewals and assisting the claims team in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, Shaw was offered her choice of full-time permanent positions with either the claims team or underwriting team. The choice was hers. Seven years later, Shaw has received numerous promotions and now works as the property treaty underwriter, a position she enjoys and in which she is determined to excel further.

 

“In order to be successful, you have to prove your worth,” says Shaw. “Many people come out of university and start working with the expectation that they will be given everything.”

 

Which, advises Shaw, is unrealistic. Instead, she recommends working hard regardless of how mundane or routine the task: “Everyone starts at the bottom. It may not be glamorous, but there is always a way up through hard work. When you first start your career, there may be administrative tasks you don’t love, but what you will quickly realise is that as you move up, these tasks will decrease significantly—let that be your motivation!”

 

Indeed, Shaw is a credible source of advice: with three promotions in only six years under her belt, it’s obvious Shaw knows what she’s talking about. “I was promoted only six months ago, so I am still adjusting to my new role but like most things that I have been challenged with in my career, I know that with time I will eventually be able to master it.”

 

TIMELINE

2005 – Graduated from Kings College at the University of Western Ontario, with a bachelor’s degree—major in sociology, minor in psychology

2005 – Began working at Catlin Insurance Company Ltd, assisting in the underwriting and claims departments on a temporary basis

2006 – Joined Catlin on a permanent basis as an underwriting assistant on the property treaty underwriting team

2008 – Gained ARe designation (associate in reinsurance)

2009 – Gained CPCU designation (chartered property and casualty underwriter)

2010 – Promoted to assistant underwriter–U.S. property treaty at Catlin

2011 – Promoted to property treaty underwriter at Catlin

 

 

Julia Gibson

HR and office assistant, CellOne

 

How to Communicate on All Levels

Although hard work and dedication are qualities any young professional needs in order to be successful, Gibson stresses that those looking to enter human resources evaluate their communication skills. “Before pursuing a career in human resources, you should ensure you have effective communication and listening skills and have patience and passion for providing service to employees.”

 

Ask Questions

Gibson says employees should never be ashamed to ask questions. “Believe me, I ask an awful lot of them!” But it is because of her willingness to learn all she can in her current position that Gibson has excelled. “I have enjoyed the direction of experienced and knowledgeable human resource managers who have always made time to provide me with an opportunity to learn.”

 

Embrace Diversity

“Human-resources professionals come from a range of educational backgrounds and professional experiences. A career in human-resources provides the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people—it’s this aspect which I love the most!”

 

TIMELINE

2003 – Left Mount St. Agnes to attend Wells Cathedral School in Somerset, England, to complete AS and A Levels

2005 – Took a gap year and spent eight months working and travelling throughout Southeast Asia, Australia and Hong Kong

2009 – Graduated with a BSc from Kings College London in geography

2010 – Hired as human resources and office assistant in the human-resources department at CellOne

2010 – Became a “big sister” with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda

 

 

Robin Millet

Group underwriter, The Argus Group

 

How to Underwrite your Professional Potential

“Have an appetite for knowledge, take a serious interest in developing your skills and understand the importance of hard work and dedication,” says Robin Millet. “Argus believes in empowering their employees, which has resulted in my continuous professional development.”

 

Know Your Customer

The phrase “The customer is always right” may not always be true in the insurance industry, but Millet works hard to acknowledge her customer’s opinions and concerns. “Insurance is built on relationships and customers are essential,” says Millet. “Customers are the most important aspect to every business; they contribute to the success of the organisation. The most exciting part of my career is delivering exceptional customer service.”

 

Stay Motivated, No Matter What

Millet understands the struggles many young people face with trying to make headway in their careers as she once experienced it herself. The trick, she advises, is to “keep the faith, maintain a positive attitude and stick to your goals—doors will eventually open!”

 

TIMELINE

2007 – Graduated from St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a bachelor’s degree in commerce with a major in human-resource management and industrial relations.

2008 – Hired as a group underwriting assistant, group insurance at The Argus Group

2010 – From the Bermuda Insurance Institute, completed INS 21-property and liability insurance principals and INS 22–personal insurance

2011 – Promoted to group underwriter

2011 – Recipient of an Argus Excellence Award

 

 

Kyle Rogers

Product manager (business management), HSBC Bermuda

 

How to Play your Cards Right

Kyle Rogers’s position at HSBC Bermuda has evolved greatly since he started at the company in 2006 as a card-processing administrator in the card-operations department. Nowadays, his role at the bank focuses on developing efficient ways for customers to access their funds using credit cards, an essential part of personal and corporate finance.

 

For Rogers, his journey from graduating from university to holding his present-day position at HSBC has been an enjoyable one. He credits the global bank for exposing him to a world of opportunity and potential. “The expertise that I have access to via the HSBC global network is invaluable to me, as the organisation is market leading in many of the jurisdictions in which we operate,” says Rogers. “The advantage of working in Bermuda is that you get to see how an organisation works at its basic core, meaning employees have more access to see and understand the big picture and how their role fits into the overall strategy.”

 

And it’s not just his own success that gives Rogers fulfilment; he enjoys seeing others work hard and pursue their dreams also. “I like to see how the younger generations are becoming more involved and bringing their experiences, ideas and energy to the business world,” Rogers explains. “Seeing the people that I went to school with becoming recognised for their professional achievements, dedication and involvement in the community is by far the most rewarding for me.”

 

TIMELINE

2002 – Graduated from Bermuda College with an associate of arts degree and Dean’s Award

2002 – Enrolled at Saint Mary’s University

2006 – Hired as a card-processing administrator for card operations at HSBC Bermuda

2008 – Worked as senior card-services representative for card operations at HSBC Bermuda

2009 – Title changed to product-support analyst in the card-services business

2010 – Promoted to business implementation manager in Bancassurance and nominated for the HSBC Bermuda CEO Award

2011 – Transferred to business management in retail banking and wealth management as lending and deposits product manager. Was nominated for and attended the Leadership Development Experience for North America, representing Bermuda and the Cayman Islands

 

 

Jasmyn Tucker

Lead customer-service representative, CableVision Bermuda

 

How to Achieve, One Step at a Time

At only 24 years old, Jasmyn Tucker has become a force to reckon with at CableVision Bermuda. Having joined the company in May 2009 as one of their customer-service representatives, it didn’t take her long to excel and be promoted to lead customer-service representative, putting her in charge of processing all online bank transactions, balancing daily revenue and dealing with customers’ questions and queries.

 

Of course, in order to work in customer service, it’s a requirement for Tucker to be a people person. However, it takes plenty of drive and perseverance as well. “Never give up! If someone tells you it’s not possible, you tell them that nothing is impossible. Always strive for success!

 

“If it wasn’t for my mother, Andrea Tucker [deceased], I wouldn’t be the strong young woman that I am today,” says Tucker. “It hasn’t been easy but I’m glad I’m getting closer to my goal, one step at a time, with my mother in my heart.”

Her goal? To be manager of CableVision Bermuda by the time she’s 28. For Tucker, it’s a challenge she’s willing to accomplish: “I like a challenge and I love to learn new things.”

 

One of the most daunting things Tucker had to learn before she could succeed was to overcome self-doubt. As she says, “It’s true when people say never doubt yourself, you can become your own enemy.” Once Tucker conquered her own fears of success, she realised achievement was within her reach. “Now I have the confidence in myself to know I can do anything I put my mind to!”

 

TIMELINE

2005 – Graduated from CedarBridge Academy

2007 – Hired as customer-service representative at HSBC Bermuda

2009 – Hired as a customer service representative at Bermuda Cablevision

 

 

Jessica Lindo

Assistant vice president, professional lines, Allied World Assurance Company

 

How to Chart Unknown Territory

“Look for opportunities to punch above your title and get exposure to people and ideas outside of your immediate responsibilities, even if that means taking on the most menial tasks,” says Jessica Lindo. Doing so, she insists, proves your worth. “People judge you more than just your work product. From your first interview, you are building your brand and reputation. A positive, eager attitude is key to having people recognise your potential and want to invest in you.”

 

Cover New Ground

“A year from now I’d like to be an expert in the dynamic area of cyber threats and the insurance solutions for them. It’s exciting to be a part of something that is in its adolescence and keeping pace with its emergence as an area of critical focus for corporations and governments around the world.”

 

Diversify

“My loftiest ambition would be to become business fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and help shape the future of the insurance market in Brazil. Figuring out how to harness the opportunity arising from one of the world’s fastest-growing economies would be a huge challenge and an amazing cultural experience.”

 

TIMELINE

2003 – Graduated from St. Mary’s University with a bachelor of commerce degree

2003 – Began working at Allied World as an underwriting assistant

2005 – Promoted to junior underwriter

2006 – Promoted to underwriter

2007 – Obtained Registered Professional Liability Underwriter designation

2008 – Promoted to senior underwriter

2010 – Promoted to assistant vice president, professional lines

 

 

Neki Simons

Studying to become an animator, currently employed at Lindo’s

 

How to Design your Own Success

“Don’t beg for things; do it yourself or else you won’t get anything.” These are the wise words of 21-year-old Neki Simons, who is currently studying at Savannah College of Art and Design in hopes of one day becoming an animator and putting his drawings and cartoons to life.

 

“My career is very innovative,” says Simons, who has just finished his second year of school. “It’s also a competitive field of work so you have to stay on your game.” And Simons does that quite literally. Inspired by the Transformers movies and Fantasy XIII the game, Simons hopes to one day be a successful animator, working on the industry’s next big hit.

 

Between semesters at school, Simons holds down a position as a freezer merchandiser at Lindo’s Family Foods, in hopes of saving as much as he can for his future education and training. “I can agree that money may be one of the toughest and biggest obstacles you may face,” says Simons. “Money can either help or prevent you from moving on in whatever it is you’re doing. Having paid cash for two years of my education, it can really be a financial burden, but I’m not going to let that ruin my career.”

 

For those who also struggle with trying to find the means with which to finance their dreams, Simons offers hope and guidance: “Never give up on your dream, no matter what stumbling blocks happen to be in your way. In the end, it falls upon you whether or not you’re going to allow something to hinder you from moving forward.”