Cayman Finance seeks to connect graduates with careers

Cayman Finance is seeking more applicants for a new graduate training programme designed as a pathway to careers in the financial services industry for Caymanians.

The programme aims to bridge the gap between academics and entry-level jobs for young people in the island’s biggest industry.

It was created following concerns expressed within the community about a perceived lack of opportunities for graduates.

It pairs returning students with small- and medium-sized Cayman Finance member firms. Successful applicants receive a one-year employment contract worth $40,000, as well as mentoring and weekly workshops to transition into the industry.

So far, the graduate programme has attracted 50 applicants for 17 positions. But only 15 are meeting the criteria of having obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher diploma in 2024 or 2025.

Danielle Hennings, associate director at the industry group, said, “It has been suggested that Caymanian graduates are coming home and not finding that first entry level job. So, we thought, what can we do, from a financial services perspective, to create more opportunities?”

She said research within the sector showed the biggest firms were already hiring graduates in significant numbers but there was opportunity to create new employment in smaller firms.

She said Cayman Finance’s role in this new project was to make it easier for those firms and for returning students by making the connections.

“We said, we’ll recruit the graduates. We’ll interview the applicants and pick the top candidates and then match them to each organisation based on preferences and job descriptions.”

Finding the graduates has been harder than she imagined. Not all the applicants have met the minimum requirement of having completed a degree. 

Hennings said the project also served as a data-gathering exercise. Recruitment is still ongoing, however, and she is hopeful of generating more interest before the application deadline on 14 Aug.

She said it was possible that many of the potential applicants already had other jobs or further education and training lined up.

She stressed that the roles were entry-level positions and served as a ‘foot in the door’ in the industry and a chance, over time, to work up to a much higher income.

“It’s an opportunity to get a start at a good company and work your way up,” she said.

In some cases, it is also a chance to rotate through different roles before deciding whether to specialise or seek further education in one specific career.

More information and application forms are available on the Cayman Finance website.