Job preparation skills, raffle prizes at Chamber seminar

High school students from four different schools show off the certificates of attendance they received after attending the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s workshop on job preparation skills at the Seaside Hall of the Kanoa Resort on Saturday, May 10. (Contributed photo)

High school students from four different schools participated in a morning workshop at the Seaside Hall of the Kanoa Resort on Saturday, May 10. Hosted by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the free workshop gave the student valuable information on how to successfully enter the workforce.

The workshop was led by three Chamber members who donated their time. PIC donated canvas bags that were given to each attendee upon arrival.

Jin Woo Cho, audit manager at Ernst & Young, started the event with personal budgeting advice. He demonstrated the basics of monthly budgets and outlined strategies for reevaluating it regularly. One Kagman student volunteered to present his budget estimate for the first year of college. When the group saw the final dollar amounts projected on the screen, a collective gasp was heard at the monthly total of negative $800!

Vicky Benavente, executive assistant manager at Pacific Islands Club, engaged the students with real-life examples of balancing work and family. Personal examples were lighthearted and effective. Her own family values found a place in the memory of the students who remembered the Lessons of Larry and Lucy long after the slide presentation was completed.

The importance of an effective résumé and practical tips for job interviews were covered by Jim Arenovski, owner of Island Training Solutions. Having long been an advocate of “working smarter, not harder,” Arenovski provided laughs with his tales of less-than-perfect interview answers. Serious discussion on knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses followed, as well as tips on personal presentation and getting your résumé in tip-top shape.

The event ended with a presentation of certificates to all attendees, and a raffle drawing. Prizes included PIC waterpark passes and PIC visors. Xerox donated the color copies for the handouts. Kanoa Resort donated the venue and gift certificates for 880 Duty Free, Isla Café, and Barefoot Beach barbecue. Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan donated lunch at World Café. First Hawaiian Bank donated an umbrella, insulated mug and bag, and speakers. IT&E donated 20 strap bags holding water bottles, wristbands, pens, key chains with flashlight, hand fans, and phone hangers.

The Chamber thanks all of the wonderful member businesses who participated and made this event a success! For more photographs of the event, visit the Saipan Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. (PR)