BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) welcomed 18 summer
interns to its team on 7 July 2023. The interns, most of whom are currently enrolled at various
tertiary institutions, worked in a variety of departments within the Headquarters in Barbados and
the Western Zone Office (Jamaica). The areas of operation they supported during the annual
programme included the Archives and Records Management Unit, Corporate Services, Examinations
Administration and Security, Examinations Development and Production Division, Finance and Office
Management, Human Resource, Information Technology Services, Syllabus and Curriculum, Office of
the Pro-Registrar and the Office of the Registrar.
During their time with the organisation, the interns had the opportunity to attain hands-on
experience in a corporate setting and for some, the experience was gained in their chosen fields.
Placement at CXC® also provided insight into the educational assessment ecosystem they once were
a part of, as well as a broad view of regional cooperation.
“We were excited to have the talented interns join our team,” said Mrs Sheree Deslandes, Director
of Corporate Services, CXC®. “It was not simply an opportunity for them to gain experience, but they
were encouraged to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the organisation, as students
currently learning the practical side of the dynamic professions that contribute to our operations.
They were valuable members of our team during their time here.”
The 18 interns worked at CXC® for a period of eight weeks. CXC’s Human Resource team coordinated
workshops for the group such as Interviewing Techniques, Resume Writing, Effective Public Speaking
Tips, Preparing for the World of Work and sessions with department leaders where the interns
learned more about the organisation’s operations.
In each country, the interns spearheaded a corporate social responsibility initiative – CXC® CARES
(Community, Action, Respect, Empower, Support). They collected clothing, bottled water, food,
toiletries, and back-to-school items to donate to the Maxfield Park Children’s Home in Jamaica and
the Marina Brewster Centre in Barbados. Interns ended the programme on a note of fun with a
talent showcase.