This Is Guernsey

By Simon Tostevin

A NEW bursary scheme has been launched by Credit Suisse.

It will be open to all A-level students who plan to attend university.

Anne Bott, human resources business partner at Credit Suisse in Guernsey, said that the company was aware of the increasing financial pressure on students and aimed to offer the bursary to a wide range of candidates.

‘Our bursary has been designed to encourage students to acquire the best possible skills because we are convinced that training is the key to future success for them - and for all of us in the island.

‘We hope that the scheme will allow students to better focus on their studies and provide them with valuable work experience.’

Up to six bursaries will be awarded this year, each offering £1,950 per annum.

Preference will be given to students predicted to achieve grades of B or above and planning a three- or four-year degree course.

During their placement at Credit Suisse, there will be opportunities for the recipients to immerse themselves in the community of students and trainees from the company’s three businesses in Guernsey.

A schedule of extra-curricular activities, including joining the active CS sports and social club, lunch with the country CEO Roy McGregor and a visit to the Credit Suisse offices in Canary Wharf, will also be arranged.

The bursary does not require students to work for the company upon completion of their degree.

‘Students will receive a minimum of eight full weeks’ employment with us each year and will spend that time in three or four different areas of the bank.

‘If they are enthusiastic about joining us at the end of this training and they meet our requirements, that would be wonderful but it is not a prerequisite.’

Credit Suisse offers private banking, trust and fund administration services in Guernsey, with jobs ranging from those with direct client contact, such as relationship and trust managers, to legal and compliance staff and fund administrators.

The company also has in-house IT, marketing and investment management departments.

‘It is this wide range of services that we provide that prompted us to not exclude people who want to study courses other than those with obvious links to the finance sector,’ said Mrs Bott.

n Applications for a bursary form should be made to anne.bott@credit-suisse.com, direct line 233827. The forms should be completed and returned, accompanied by a personal statement outlining goals and ambitions, by the end of next month.

Article posted on 29th January, 2008 - 12.00am