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Students learn the ropes of job-hunting in job fair
Representatives of both government and private sectors filled the Saipan World Resort’s Royal Taga Hall yesterday, for a job fair organized by the Public School System.
Brandon S. Nicolas, coordinator of the Cooperative Education Program at Marianas High School, enjoyed his first time putting the event together.
“This kind of program I feel is very near and dear to me. Having worked in a human resources department, I understand the importance of trying to determine a career path,” said Nicolas.
Enthusiastic students hoping to land jobs and interviews went from booth to booth to score job interviews.
First lady Diann Torres, who was there for the Lady Diann Torres Foundation, enjoyed the nostalgic feeling she got participating in the program.
“I’ve always been a teacher. Doing this program helps me keep my momentum. I may be outside of a classroom but I am still mentoring,” she said.
Catherine Castro of Marianas High School said the program helped her realize how to react during a job interview.
“The hardest part about an interview is getting over the nerves, but I’ve learned that I can just be myself and let my personality shine and that in itself can help me go a long way,” Castro said. “We all have different mechanisms on how to stay calm, smile, and let our personalities shine.”
Nicolas said the cooperative program “really gives students the kind of hands-on experience that they need to be able to identify what particular field or industry tey want to be in. This has a lasting impact on the students in making the connections that they need, so should the time come that they are applying for the job, they know what to expect and how to react.”
Joel “Prinz” Salvosa of I Love Saipan said that many of the students were timid and shy. “So I try and teach them that shyness won’t get you anywhere.” I Love Saipan was able to attract more than 50 interested students.
“I have been supporting this program,” said Mikka Valencia, general manager of iHop/Ajisen, “and I believe that the program does a great job of opening doors for students and that is something worth supporting. “
