Caymanian students had the chance to put their career aspirations into practice during the 2012 DART Internship Programme. A total of 22 students joined the DART workforce over the summer months, the largest group since the programme began five years ago. Their roles reflected the diversity of the DART group of companies, with students working in sports and recreation, retail management, training and development, finance, and engineering, among other sectors.

The programme matched students with positions that reflected their studies and career interests, where possible, to broaden their understanding of where their degrees could take them.   “I had no idea there were so many areas within a single IT department. I had hands-on experience in so many roles,” said Keenan Ebanks, who is majoring in Computer Science.

Students were given projects and goals as if they were full-time employees.  “They put me in charge of swim lessons, so I had to schedule and take payments. This experience shows I made the right choice for my degree,” said Chelsea Nelson, who hopes one day to be a swim coach and sports events organizer.

For some students, it was a chance to build on a partnership begun with DART during previous summers. Shay Miller returned for a second year to contribute to the restaurant and retail division.  “I want to get a job here after I graduate, so this is the build-up to that. Being back here shows that they are as interested in me as I am in the company,” he explained.

The programme also introduced students to a broader picture of working life, from training sessions about employee benefits to opportunities to demonstrate good corporate citizenship. “I was very involved in socially responsible activities, something I don’t get much chance to do at college,” said Alison Phillips, who interned in the training and development department.

Many of the students plan to stay in touch with their departments as they headed back to their studies. As Shay Miller explained, “The people who work here really care about the island, the people, and the economy. It’s that feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.”