By Lauryn Olson
UH Maui College hosted a job fair on Wednesday, Sept. 30 outside the Ka Lama Building from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide students a chance to learn about job opportunities. This job fair was highly attended and there were about 50 organizations seeking to find future employees.
Many students were able to find job opportunities with companies that they were interested in working for.
You might be surprised to learn how many well-known organizations came out for this event. Companies such as Target, Whole Foods, 24 Hour Fitness, the Maui Police Department, Jamba Juice, Montage, Marriott and Starbucks all attended the September job fair.
One thing that this job fair provided is the easy accessibility to companies who are hiring. Instead of having to ask around, the event connects companies to potential new employees.
A wide variety of companies and organizations attended the September job fair.
“We’re ecstatic and we’re glad they invited us to be a part of it,” Brent Hedani, a Target executive, said. “We are looking for people who are looking to build a career with us at Target.”
Hedani was mainly looking for people who could devote their career to Target, go through the training needed, and be a loyal asset to their company.
One UH Maui College student, Spenser Leworthy, felt the enthusiasm, too. “It’s so awesome how excited all the different companies are to meet students from UHMC,” he said.
Because of how hard it can be to find jobs, this job fair is a great way to learn about a mass amount of jobs in a few hours. This job fair gives the public a new and innovative way to track down job opportunities that fit the needs of their lifestyle.
“It’s hard to find jobs and this is the easiest way to do it… and there’s free things,” said Merie Aivee Kaye Pastrana, another UH Maui College student.
Most booths provided complimentary pens and pencils to interested onlookers. Whether students were there for a new job or free pens, the job fair gave them resources to gain opportunities that they can turn into lifetime jobs. It also helped students see jobs they can achieve now and with their degree in the future.
“It helps students that could do part-time jobs and still be in school,” said Steve Gutierrez, an attendee.
Keep in mind that this job fair isn’t only focused on students. Many people attended who weren’t enrolled at UH Maui College. This event as open to the public; anyone who was interested in finding a job was welcome to come to this event.
The September job fair was a success for many job seekers and companies. A lot of people found what they were looking for in the span of a couple hours.
“I’m happy they hosted this event, because my friends and I all found possible job opportunities,” Leworthy said.
If you’re interested in attending the next job fair, bring your resume along with you, dress professionally and be ready to be interviewed. Researching the companies that are going to be there will also help to be prepared.
Visit http://maui.hawaii.edu/careerlink/home-2/career-fairs/ or call (808) 984-3318 for more information about upcoming job fairs at UH Maui College.
