The Tribune

For 50 years, University of The Bahamas (UB) has been a catalyst for change, shaping industries, communities, and lives. Its impact resonates through the stories of over 22,000 alumni who have carried the university’s legacy of excellence into the world. Among them is Kristina Dames, a 2020 graduate nurtured in UB’s rigorous academic environment, who is now a part of the thriving energy sector.

Equipped with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in finance, Kristina navigates the complex world of crude oil trading as a crude analyst for Shell Western Supply and Trading Limited (SWST) — an integral member of the Shell Trading network, trading crude oil from Latin America and West Africa — covering the Latin America region. Her success is a testament to the university’s ability to prepare its students for the global stage.

“My experience at UB was an integral part in molding me into the professional I am today,” shares Kristina. 

“Throughout my programme, I worked a full-time job while also maintaining a full-time school schedule, and although it was tough, that experience taught me how to effectively manage my time and how to handle any adversity in a professional capacity. 

“Juggling both the high demands of school and work and successfully managing to do so has prepared me to handle any pressure I may face throughout my work and personal life. I was able to excel academically and perform all my professional duties to a high standard.”

During her time at UB, Kristina didn’t quite appreciate how much subjects like economics, statistics, and international trade finance would become the foundation of her current role. Today, she applies that knowledge to manage profit and loss (P/L) and exposure for SWST’s crude oil traders, providing critical analysis for regional and global teams. Her hard work learning valuable lessons both within and outside the classroom is paying off. 

“Something that I love and appreciate from UB is that the technical knowledge I gained from the lectures of my finance 411 (international trade finance) classes have set me up well for the tasks of my current role in Shell,” said Kristina. “Although I spent long days and nights juggling between classes and work, all that hard work that I put into my time there has paid off. Putting in the hours that I did gave me the confidence in my ability to work hard for the life that I want for myself and my family.”

UB takes immense pride not only in Kristina’s achievements but also in its growing partnership with SWST. The collaboration between the university and this global energy leader is opening doors for more students to explore careers in crucial industries.

“We know the academic rigour of UB adequately prepares students for the real world, and we are delighted to have a corporate partner like SWST’s strategic investment in UB,” says executive director of corporate and foundation relations at UB, Kandice Weech. “By offering dynamic career opportunities, SWST has opened a pathway for students to gain exposure to a critical industry that we hope more graduates decide to explore.” 

Kristina’s story is one of many that illustrate how UB’s commitment to excellence continues to empower its graduates to make their mark on the world.