Youth on CXC summer internship make worthwhile contribution

Eighteen young people, most of them enrolled at various tertiary institutions, not only gained from an eight-week internship at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) but gave back as well, offering their perspectives to the regional exam body and helping the community.

The interns worked in a variety of departments at the headquarters here as well in CXC’s Western Zone Office in Jamaica, including the Archives and Records Management Unit, Corporate Services, Examinations Administration and Security, Examinations Development and Production Division, Finance and Office Management, Human Resource, Information Technology Services, Syllabus and Curriculum, Office of the Pro-Registrar and the Office of the Registrar.

During their time with the organisation, the interns had the opportunity to attain hands-on experience in a corporate setting and for some, the experience was gained in their chosen fields. 

Placement at CXC also provided insight into the educational assessment ecosystem they once were a part of, as well as a broad view of regional cooperation.

“We were excited to have the talented interns join our team,” said Sheree Deslandes, Director of Corporate Services at CXC. 

The CXC interns at headquarters in Barbados.

“It was not simply an opportunity for them to gain experience, but they were encouraged to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the organisation, as students currently learning the practical side of the dynamic professions that contribute to our operations. They were valuable members of our team during their time here.”

During the internship, CXC’s human resources team coordinated workshops for the group of young people in areas such as interviewing techniques, resume writing, effective public speaking tips, and preparing for the world of work.

There were also sessions with department leaders for the interns to learn more about the organisation’s operations.

In each country, the interns spearheaded a corporate social responsibility initiative – CXC CARES (Community, Action, Respect, Empower, Support). They collected clothing, bottled water, food, toiletries, and back-to-school items to donate to the Maxfield Park Children’s Home in Jamaica and the Marina Brewster Centre in Barbados. 

They ended the programme on a note of fun with a talent showcase. 

(PR/BT)