The Department of eGovernment has successfully completed its 2024 Summer Internship Programme, which continues to provide university students with hands-on experience in digital government services, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. 

This year, nine interns participated in the programme, gaining real-world experience in areas such as software development, web design, video production, and software testing. The programme is designed to immerse interns in the vibrant culture of eGov while contributing directly to key projects that are transforming public services in the Cayman Islands. 

Suzanne Collins, eGovernment Project Manager and the lead coordinator of the internship programme, highlighted the programme’s objectives: “Our primary goal is to give university students real-world experience in software development while integrating them into the eGov culture. We involve interns in meaningful projects that align with their academic backgrounds, providing the mentorship and guidance needed to succeed in the tech industry.” Collins also stressed the importance of having interns over the summer, explaining that it allows eGov to invest in the next generation of tech talent in the Cayman Islands. “This programme not only helps students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, but it also brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our projects. Additionally, it allows us to identify and nurture potential future employees who are already familiar with our culture and processes, which strengthens our talent pipeline for the future.” 

Throughout the summer, the interns made valuable contributions to several high-impact projects, including the development of web pages and online forms, video creation, and the testing of software for the upcoming Cayman Islands Identification Card. Their work underscores the critical role digital transformation plays in modernising government services to be more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly. Intern Jacqueline Jackson shared how the experience deepened her understanding of digital government services: “My experience here has highlighted how digital solutions can enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in government operations. It’s a crucial step towards ensuring that our government is more responsive and capable of meeting the needs of our growing community.” 

The Summer Internship Programme is part of the Department of eGovernment’s broader mission to support the digital transformation of the Cayman Islands. By providing young professionals with hands-on experience, the programme not only aids in their career development but also ensures that the department continues to build a strong foundation for future tech talent. 

Chief Officer of the Ministry of Investment, Innovation, and Social Development, Tamara Ebanks, praised the programme’s success, saying, “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the eGovernment team for their dedication in mentoring these talented interns. Their guidance and expertise have been invaluable. I also want to commend the interns for their hard work and enthusiasm. Their contributions are helping to shape the future of public service in the Cayman Islands, and I am confident they will continue to excel as they pursue their careers in digital technology.” 

As the programme continues to grow, the Department of eGovernment looks forward to further expanding its efforts to engage and develop future tech talent in the Cayman Islands. For more information about the Department of eGovernment summer internship programme, please visit: https://www.faststream.gov.uk/summer-internship-programme/index.html