CAPTION: PriceWaterhouse Coopers representatives talking to a USP student about employment opportunities.
The University of the South Pacific is committed to providing its students the opportunity to touch base with employers in order to identify what they require to enter the workforce and thus make the right career decisions.
The University held its first comprehensive Careers Fair, for its Laucala-based students today. The two-day event was launched on Monday, 12 August, 2013, at the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies (OCACPS).
The first day of the careers exposition saw hundreds of students turn out at the upper and lower Library rara where around 70 employers have set up booths for students to come and learn more about their organisations and companies and what they can expect and are expected to do once they enter the job market.
The Universityis providing an opportunity for greater employer and student interaction, through this inaugural event. This opportunity will greatly enhance students’ future employment prospects with employers and create entrepreneurship opportunities for those who are thinking of venturing into a business of their own.
Representatives from various government, private companies and corporate agencies are based at the library grounds to distribute information brochures to students and answer their questions on jobs, careers and career paths.
The Japan-Pacific ICT Centre saw presentations from various entrepreneurs with different business backgrounds.
Mrs Bernadette Rounds-Ganilau, an entrepreneur, writer, radio broadcaster and politician, spoke to students on how she started her business, Pearl Traders and Outfitters, and advised them to strive for their best when it came to entrepreneurialism.
Owner of Garden City, and Chief Executive Officer of Marco Polo Holdings, MrWah Sing, elaborated on how he started with small steps, having gotten a lucky break with 20 cartons of ginger, and later went on to produce up to 2000 tonnes, per annum.
Mr and MrsTabuyaqona, who run the catering business Indoor Dining, told of how they started selling food on the streets after they lost they jobs in the tourism industry after the 2000 coup, and grew their business to the full-fledged catering company it is today.
The event organisers will also be screening two inspiration entrepreneurial movies: The Social Network and the Pursuit of Happyness at the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre tonight.
Tomorrow will be the last day of the Careers Fair. Some highlights students can look forward to tomorroware presentations from employer and corporate organisations and the Public Service Commission on employment opportunities for students as well as graduate attributes.
Superannuation provider, the Fiji National Provident Fund as well as the renowned professional services and auditing company KPMG will also be presenting at the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre.
USP