In a move to support the future workforce of the Cook Islands, the Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) announced last Friday its support as a gold sponsor for this year’s Careers Expo to be held next month.

Signed with Go Careers Expo Organising Committee representative, Jessie Sword, and chief executive of BCI, Jennifer Henry, it re-affirms BCI’s longstanding history of participation with the Careers Expo.

This year, by jumping onboard as a gold sponsor for the first time, the bank wants to highlight and promote the diverse roles and career opportunities available, and is aiming at looking into internships with short term stints running.

“There is a pathway for everyone, whether you’re in between overseas studies, online studies with USP, you might be a school leaver looking for a first start in the role, or a student looking to do higher education overseas, or coming back from overseas, there are pathways we have in place with the bank,” said Henry, “we have pathways that can help you grow and develop a professional career.”

Each year, the bank introduces fresh angles on career possibilities, showcasing the diverse roles within the organisation. While many are familiar with positions like tellers and customer service representatives-roles for which there are current vacancies-BCI also highlights career paths in finance, accounting, cash management, ICT, marketing, communications, social media, and climate finance

“Those who might also be interested in environment studies in science and climate science, BCI is a Green Climate Fund (GCF) delivering partner, and we have openings and opportunities in that space as well,” said Henry.

Opportunities also extend to the Pa Enua, with placements in the Pa Enua, and Rarotonga for capacity building, “there is an opportunity at the bank in every island and we are looking for people to join us in all islands which provides meaningful work opportunities.”

With over 100 staff members and 10 departments, BCI is the largest bank in the Cook Islands, and there are several stories of nurturing talent within the organisation, with staff members progressing from frontline to managerial roles.

BCI also invests heavily in employee career enhancement, with several staff members being sent overseas for training opportunities, and into placements at Kiwi Bank, or the UK for financial management courses, and other various programmes.

It is mandatory that staff must also complete a minimum 30 hours of studies a year, every year, to ensure continuous professional development.

“To ensure we can facilitate that, we have an online portal which has so many courses, everything you can think of in banking, it is very broad, so when you’re working here, you can have these credentials,” said Henry, “In your career path, we might be one of the stepping stones in your total journey along the way.”

The 2024 Career’s Expo will be held at the National Auditorium on Thursday, June 13th, 2024, from 9am to 3pm. It is a public event, encouraging not only students in Years 11-13 to attend but also those seeking job opportunities.

Keep an eye on the BCI booth as prizes will be running all day long!

• Jessie Sword/Careers Expo