28 firms, agencies join MHS career fair

Major businesses and government agencies showed their support for the oldest and largest high school on island during the annual Marianas High School Career Fair, held at the Saipan World Resort yesterday.

A total of 28 participating groups exhibited their commitment to provide continuous assistance to high school students who may want to pursue various careers and professions after their postsecondary education.

Program coordinator Tyce Mister was elated at the turnout. “The commitment demonstrated to our youth today is inspiring,” he said.

Approximately 90 high school students from three public schools were provided technical know-how and understanding of various job concepts.

MHS’ cooperative program is designed to help prepare students for the job market.

Mister said a majority of yesterday’s participants were from his co-op class at MHS while some were from Kagman and Saipan Southern high schools.

As early as 1pm yesterday, companies were seen setting up their stations for the arrival of their “clients.”

Company personnel and representatives conducted interviews and assessments on the students.

Mister said there are two major expectations from the fair: internships or actual jobs for students.

Marianas High School 12th grader Hiram Aldan described yesterday’s experience as fun and worthwhile because he was able to understand the different nature of jobs available in the community.

Citing his interest in a job at the Office of Adult Probation, Aldan believes that many students learned about every citizen’s rights. “They helped me understand the kind of work they’re doing…and it really got my interest,” Aldan said.

Leo Galarse, also from MHS, said he was amazed at the information shared by Pacific Islands Club representatives who encouraged him to try working for the company’s sports programs.

“Because I do really love sports, I think I will try it,” he said, adding that he hopes to get the job for the summer.

According to Stephanie Blas, an MHS student, the fair not only helped her prepare for her future job but it also motivated her to develop her self-esteem and become independent. “It’s a nice feeling that we’re finding a job on our own,” she said.

The Cooperative Program, sometimes referred to as “Co-op”, consists of both Cooperative Education, which occurs on campus, and Cooperative Training, which occurs off campus. In the Cooperative Education class, students complete resumes, application letters, interviews, personal development, related field trips and other projects.

Government agencies and private firms that participated in yesterday’s event were All-Star Sporting Goods, Boarderline, CNMI PSS-HRO, CNMI PSS-SpEd/Related Services, DCCA-Child Care Program, Delta Management, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Hafadai Beach Hotel, Hard Rock Café, Hyatt Regency Saipan, IT&E, JC Tenorio Ent., Joeten Motor Company, Inc., Joeten’s Ace Hardware, Marianas Visitors Authority, NMHC, NMPASI, Northern Marianas College, Office of Adult Probation, P.O.I., Pacific Islands Club, Palm’s Resort, Saipan Grand Hotel, Saipan World Resort, Sorensen Media Saipan, Tan Holdings Corp., The Athlete’s Foot, and WIA.