The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo kicked off the new academic year by linking students with career opportunities through an internship fair at the Campus Center Plaza on September 10. Nearly 50 students engaged with 12 local employer exhibitors, making valuable connections designed to launch careers and strengthen Hawaiʻi Island’s workforce.
The event was sponsored by the Kīpapa I Ke Ala Kaʻi: Center for Career Advancement and emphasized career pathways, networking and professional growth. Students from across UH Hilo attended to explore openings, meet industry partners, and learn how internships could help them gain workplace experience or transition into full-time employment.
UH Hilo student Pohoku Roby said, “The internship fair offered a variety of internship opportunities for us to explore. It provided valuable networking tools to support our career growth.”
For employers, the event offered a chance to recruit and invest in future professionals.
“It was great to attend the event today. We have opportunities, and we feel like we made some good connections with students,” said Napua Adviento from the Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
UH Hilo Career Services Director Marcy Martinez underscored the importance of experiences that broaden students’ perspectives.
“Students should be able to utilize their degree, no matter what field or employment opportunity they pursue,” Martinez said. “They should be able to navigate the world as it changes, use their education, skills and experience, so they can adapt as their careers change. Opportunities like internships and other experiential learning are great ways to learn about interests and opportunities available. Those same events can weed out the ones that are not a good fit for them.”
“Internship fairs offer students a bridge between classroom learning and real-world application, empowering them to explore career paths, build professional relationships, and take confident steps towards their futures,” added Raynell Espaniola, internship and experiential learning coordinator. “By hosting these events on our campus, we make these opportunities more accessible and student-centered, ensuring that every student has the chance to engage directly with potential employers.”
The event reflects UH’s broader commitment to workforce development, a core pillar of the UH System’s Strategic Plan.
