An estimated 800 students turned out for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Fall 2022 Career Fair at Campus Center Ballroom on October 6.
They were able to connect with 160 representatives from 60 companies who are offering internships, co-ops and career opportunities.
“I think it’s really helpful for students,” said UH Mānoa freshman Grace Adler, who attended the fair. “There’s a lot of booths here and a lot of opportunities for students to look at different career opportunities and learn more about their community.”
UH Mānoa career fairs are held twice a year—in the spring and fall semesters. Over the past two years the career fair shifted to a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re super excited to be bringing back the career fair in-person,” said Wendy Sora, director of the Mānoa Career Center. “Employer representatives have been more than ready for in person connections and likewise for students just based on their attendance today. We’ve already had so many great comments from employers like ‘wow this is great.’ Employers were impressed with the renovated ballroom which is good that they see the modern spaces where our students learn, work, and engage.”
Employers informed students on what they’ll need to know about career paths, employer expectations and professional opportunities.
UH Mānoa student Jordan Masoli, a senior majoring in finance, attended the event. “Great opportunities here, and good networking,” he said. “I’ve been talking to some people in finance and other companies that don’t necessarily broadcast finance, but they have opportunities that I could also pursue.”
Participating employers and student programs included: county, state and federal agencies, travel and hospitality entities, healthcare, finance, non-profit, IT industries, retailers and many more.
“We’re very interested in workforce development efforts, so generating jobs for students exiting the university and then the local community,” said Christopher Loftis, an employer from Huntington Ingalls Industries. “By partnering with other industry partners, the academic world and government, we can put together jobs for cleared individuals to be intel analysts, data scientists and IT technologists.”