Aisha Jones

Biography

Let’s get a little candid for a moment. Tell us something that caught you by surprise or you least expected after you graduated from the GTP Programme

After graduating, I was surprised by the level of responsibility I was entrusted with. Although I was initially nervous, my time in the programme prepared me to meet these expectations. Additionally, I was given the freedom to gain experience and treated as a professional by receiving support from my team to achieve my objectives. Furthermore, I was able to demonstrate my expertise by exercising my professional judgment in a number of situations and handling any issues that arose.

How do you see yourself differently now compared to who you were when you started the GTP programme? How has your confidence grown in certain areas?

The experiences and opportunities I had throughout the programme enabled me to grow and evolve in many areas of my work. I am more confident in my knowledge of the BMA and the financial services industry. Leading internal and external meetings and presentations has greatly improved my communication skills and ability to convey information in a clear, concise manner. Collaborating with internal departments has also increased my understanding of the BMA’s role in maintaining financial stability and safeguarding the reputation of the Bermuda insurance market. 

What was the most valuable guidance you have received from a manager or colleague during the programme and how has it helped you?

Everyone is learning and everyone has something to teach others, no matter the stage reached in their current career or their background. This kind of thinking has helped me in many ways because it reiterates that we all have something to offer in the workplace. We are all professionals who have the skills and experience necessary to contribute to finding solutions for complex situations and challenges. This has given me the confidence to take on opportunities to express my professional opinion and expertise while learning from others. 

What project or accomplishments during the programme are you most proud of and why? 

I am most proud of my recent promotion to Senior Officer with the Supervision (Insurance) Department. My time as a Senior Analyst has been challenging and rewarding. My team has also provided me with many opportunities to shine and represent the BMA. Likewise, my involvement in international regulatory conferences and meetings is another accomplishment that I am very proud of.

What aspects of your secondment best prepared you for success in your current role and how?

Before joining the BMA, I did not have any industry experience, so my secondment provided me with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the operations of a life insurance company. I was able to observe what happens from a different perspective while learning more about the risks that arise in various areas of the operations. I went through a tailored programme with the insurance company that exposed me to every area from internal audit to credit risk modelling. The experience gave me a better perspective of the companies we supervise and provided me with a better understanding of their operations. 

What course/certification/designation earned during the GTP best prepared you for success in your current role and how?

My degree in Business Management touched on risk, financial markets and financial instruments. In my role at the BMA, our approach involves taking a holistic view of a company and evaluating various areas that may present risks to its operations. It is advantageous to have a deeper understanding of relevant business areas as it forms a solid foundation for the work we do. Throughout the GTP, I was able to expand and enhance my knowledge in key business areas, allowing me to contribute effectively to the supervision and regulation of companies functioning in this sector.

Learn more about other graduates