Capital & Credit Executive encourages students to think outside the box when choosing a career

Deputy Group President of the Capital & Credit Financial Group (CCFG), Curtis Martin, had some positive words of encouragement for a group of 6th form students at his alma mater, Kingston College recently.

On the visit geared toward the senior students preparing to leave high school, Mr. Martin urged them to undertake critical analysis of their own situations, remain constantly vigilant and structure their lives to take advantage of opportunities. “Coming from humble beginnings is no excuse not to excel,” he told the group in an hour-long rap-session in the School’s boardroom.

The transition from Secondary School to pursue Tertiary education and work may prove to be challenging for many students, he said. “When social and economic factors come into play the transition becomes increasingly difficult.  This is why we adults have to play an active role in guiding our youth,” said Mr. Martin.

Think Outside the Box

According to the Bank President, people do not need to go after the ‘typical’ jobs, “sometimes you need to think outside-the-box and find a niche.”  He credited his success to the fact that the he did not conform to the standard expectation of pursuing a ‘typical’ career immediately after high school.  Instead, he “had a goal and a vision to excel and worked hard to achieve it,” thus becoming the Country’s youngest Bank C.E.O at the time of his initial appointment.  

‘Bright & Smart’

"Yes you have to be bright, but you also have to be smart," Mr. Martin told the students, adding that everything he learned in university became relevant in business and life in the years that followed.

“You have to apply all that you will learn to solve difficult problems and to also come up with creative and innovative solutions in more ways than you think; so make good use of the knowledge you will acquire,” he urged. He also encouraged students to take advantage of scholarships like he did, and not to waste precious time in securing their futures.

Since 1996, Capital & Credit has been committed to the improvement of education in Jamaica through its Scholarship Programme and sponsorship of other major educational initiatives.  The Company proudly participates, where possible, to the development of Jamaica on a whole, as part of its pledge to fulfil its corporate social responsibility.