Laying the groundwork • MVA sponsors training to encourage students seek jobs in the private sector

It was meant to give the students a glimpse of what kind work awaits them in the private sector specifically in tourism-related businesses when they look for jobs.

After their short internship, some 35 students from Grace Christian Academy and Marianas Baptist Academy gave one brief assessment on the various positions that they held during that short period: it was no easy task.

Dubbed as “Youth Takeover Day,” the program was part of the series of activities lined up by the Marianas Visitors Authority as part of its tourism month celebration. The students, mostly in their senior years in High School, were given the chance to work either as chef in hotel, front desk manager, tour operator or marine officer from 8 am to 2 pm.

MVA deputy managing director Vicky Benavente told students that the program was meant to give them a better perspective on career opportunities in tourism businesses. “We want to give you an idea on what tourism is all about — that it is not just hotels and restaurants because there are many jobs available out there,” she said.

Likewise, deputy managing director for marketing James Santos said MVA would like to help them find a career in the private sector other than the government. “If you are willing to give a little sacrifice, a job in the private sector can open so many doors for you or even use it as a stepping stone for better opportunities,” he said.

For many years now, most locals have shunned the idea of working in the private sector making the CNMI government the island’s biggest employer. At least 75 percent of the island’s $206 million budget goes to salaries and benefits of almost 5,000 full time employees.

Her experience as a front desk manager at Hafa Adai Hotel for six hour made 16-year old Tara White to decide in pursuing further studies in tourism so that she can help develop the island’s main economy.

Even if he did not actually help in the food preparation, Greg Arriola, 16, said he still would not want to work as a chef after he was given a briefing by Hyatt’s executive chef Eduardo Olarte. “It is not a easy job but I learned that as long as you get along well with the workers, productivity will be high,” he said.

Seventeen-year-old Roy Mendoza who was assigned at the food and beverage section of the Pacific Islands Hotel, said he would rather work in the office where there is not much responsibility than handle sensitive positions in the hotel.

Perhaps, one of the best lessons that a student got was from the manager of the Pacific Development Inc. who told him that the success of the travel agency was a product of two things — hard work and team work.

During the dialogue with MVA, the students recommended that they should be given a chance to choose the establishments and jobs they want to hold so that the experience becomes more memorable for them.

Benavente, who used to work at Hyatt Regency Hotel has one piece of advise to the students before they left: When you look for a job, dress well. Be presentable because you are selling yourselves. And wherever you want to go, be the best of what you can be.