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Meeting a Need

Established by leaders of Bermuda's insurance industry in 1996, BFIS is tasked with ensuring that Bermudian students are provided with opportunities to attain the education and training necessary for careers in Bermuda's insurance industry.

This is being achieved through scholarships, mentoring, internships and career guidance.

Click here to learn more about how you can support BFIS.

SPONSORS

Benefits of Mentoring

Tim Fox (BFIS Scholar 2008) with his mentor, Gino Smith (BFIS Scholar 1996)	Mentoring establishes a social network to expand an individual’s ability to develop allies and alliances.
	Mentoring is a two-way street, allowing both the mentors and the mentees to benefit.
	Mentoring enhances an individual’s professional outlook.
Robbie Maycock (BFIS Scholar 2009) with his mentor, Daniel Duesterhaus	Mentoring relationships are great opportunities to meet people different from yourself.
	Communication is a key element in developing a successful mentoring relationship.
	Mentoring raises the level of professionalism in the industry.

MENTORS’ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I am new to mentoring and don’t know what I should do for the first meeting with my mentee? Your initial meeting should be a “get to know you” on comfortable turf, as relaxed as possible. You may want to meet with your new mentee at your office or over lunch. Don’t be discouraged if the relationship is awkward at first.

What are some of the things that I should get to know about my mentee? Find out how s/he is doing in school; what are their favorite courses, toughest assignments or struggles. This would be an excellent opportunity for you to share your own struggles and offer any assistance you can.
What would be some good questions to ask my mentee?Ask your mentee what s/he expects from the relationship and how they think you can help them.

What are some of the non-academic assistance I can provide my mentee? Share your own career history and discuss what was critical to your success and, just as important, what were some of the pitfalls.

I am a very busy professional and although I do not have much time to spare, I would love to become a mentor? You may want to consider being matched with a student who is studying abroad and have them work during vacations in your company. Other ways might be to catch up with how they are doing at a ‘working’ lunch or breakfast.

I am very interested in becoming a mentor but I am not sure whether I would be considered because I am a non-Bermudian?Anyone can be a mentor provided they are working professionally within the industry and are keen on helping young Bermudians. There is much to be gained from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

What practical professional help I can offer to my mentee? Have your mentee visit your workplace, introduce him/her to your colleagues or young professionals in your office. Discuss the nature of your organization’s business, your role and company culture. Invite your mentee to a professional association meeting you are a member of, or to an open corporate presentation you are attending, or some other appropriate forum to meet and network with industry professionals.

How can I help my mentee make a career choice? Discuss the career options your mentee has considered. Find out if s/he has any specific goals and what are they doing to achieve these. Find out if they need support or information to pursue their goals.

How do I address social etiquette with my mentee? You may want to invite you mentee to lunch and discuss corporate etiquette or social functions you commonly experience. Students are sometimes interviewed over lunch and may not be accustomed to dining and conducting formal conversation at the same time. Remember that you are there to provide support and encouragement in any way you can. Look for ways to simply enjoy each others company and build a relationship.

I have lost touch with my mentee? If you have trouble reaching your mentee contact the BFIS office.

2010 AWARD RECIPIENTS