KINGSTON, Jamaica – What began as a routine summer internship has become a transformative experience for actuarial science student Leah Cassie, who discovered unexpected career possibilities during her placement at National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB).

Cassie, an alumna of St Andrew High School for Girls, had anticipated working in data analytics or underwriting. Instead, she found herself donning a hard hat and joining NCB’s Enterprise Operations team.

“I thought I would not have the skills and knowledge to succeed outside my field of study,” she said. “Mathematics had always been my strength and the technical world of construction felt far removed from my comfort zone.”

Cassie said the experience quickly reshaped her perspective.

“Working alongside professionals in a completely new space taught me that mistakes are not the end, they are part of the process. Whenever I got something wrong, the team showed me how to fix it and kept moving forward. Rather than hiding errors, I learned to raise my hand, get help, and grow,” she stated.

Her supervisor, Manager of Technical Services & Construction at NCB, Maurice Bent, praised her adaptability and determination.

“Leah came in with no background in construction, but she brought curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to learn. Those qualities are exactly what we want to see in our interns. By the end of her rotation, she wasn’t just observing, she was contributing,” said Bent.

Encouraged by the experience, Cassie has extended her time with NCB, taking on an additional four-week placement at the University of the West Indies branch to support customer care and administration. She said the experience has broadened her outlook.

“Whether I pursue postgraduate studies in actuarial science or take another path, this experience has taught me two things: I can learn anything from anywhere, and I would like to start my career at NCB,” said Cassie.

For more than 20 years, NCB’s summer internship programme has provided students with hands-on experience across the organisation. This year, more than 100 students applied, with only 30 selected to take part in major projects across the business. Many, like Cassie, discover talents and passions they had not anticipated, and a significant number eventually join the company full-time.

Talent Manager at NCB, Michelle McIntyre-Plummer said the programme is designed to nurture potential. “Our internships are an investment in talent and potential. By exposing students to different aspects of the business, we help them develop adaptability, resilience, and a broader understanding of our sector. Our long-term vision is to build a strong pipeline of capable young professionals who can shape the future of financial services,” said  McIntyre-Plummer.

For Cassie, what started with nervous anticipation has ended in confidence  and the belief that sometimes the most valuable lessons come from the least expected places.