Girls take career lessons from bank execs

Ten high school girls spent International Women’s Day with top CIBC Caribbean executives and senior staff, taking in career insights and advice.

The students were welcomed by CEO Mark St Hill, Chief Auditor Khadija Bourne, CFO Carl Lewis, and Managing Director Donna Wellington.

“Never limit yourself” and “Be open to considering and making use of opportunities” were highlighted as key takeaways from the day by the students.

Wellington told the group that at their age, she had viewed the bank solely from a customer transactions perspective. However, she explained most employees work outside of branches, promising they would learn more as the day progressed.

The students toured various departments, meeting senior officers who explained the functions and available careers, and shared personal academic and professional journeys.

St Michael School student Trashana Hinds said the approachable staff “widened my knowledge” about pursuing an accounting career.

“I feel the need to encourage those in my immediate circle to always dream big and never limit yourself as there are a range of careers to pursue in today’s world,” she said, hoping the initiative would continue.

Ellerslie Sixth Form student Tyra Taitt found the experience informative and an eye-opener, particularly noting the bank’s workforce is 70 per cent women with 50 per cent in senior management. For her, an important lesson was “to always be open” to opportunities and potential career path changes.

“It doesn’t have to end today; if something pops up in your head, write it down and reach back to us,” said Michelle Whitelaw, Director of Personal and Business Banking Channels, as she encouraged the students to continue exploring, surprising each with a $500 bank account to get them started on their financial journey.
(PR/BT)