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Employers encourage UH students to remain focused and optimistic

By Roger Mari - bio | email

MANOA (KHNL) - During this economic slump, it's time for job seekers to stand tall, especially those in college. There is an event geared toward preparing University of Hawaii students for the rough road ahead.

About 66 employers signed up for this semesters career fair at the University of Hawaii Manoa, down slightly from fall. There are also fewer students, but administrators advise them to get a head start in their job hunt.

"Even if they're not looking right now, like if there sophomores or juniors, they should already be making the connections with employers. They should be doing the research to find out what's out there," said career development director Myrtle Ching-Rappa

Sean Kievman is interested in teaching and wants to stay in Hawaii, but if things fall through he'll still have a job when he graduates in May.

It's a job in Japan, so I'll be teaching English as a second language to young kids, maybe kindergarten through the 12th grade," said student Sean Kievman.

While things are rough now, employers here advise students not to be discouraged.

Look at the peaks in life, not the valleys. Because if you let opportunities pass you by, then you remain where you are today," said employer Kenn Matsuguma.

"Even though the economy is not so good, I think there are companies willing to hire you straight out of college," said Sean Kievman.

Many of these students are aware of what going on in today's economic climate, but as their educational careers come to an end they just want a fair shot when they attempt to enter the work force.

Wednesday there will be an engineering job fair, and on Thursday, a job fair for the college of business.