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 | One of the resort operators in the country conducts an interview with a tourism student at the Careers Fair. |
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The University of the South Pacific’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) recently held its annual Careers Fair at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort & Spa in Sigatoka, Fiji.
The event, which has been hosted by the luxurious resort for two consecutive years now, was held this year on 28 September.
The Careers Fair provides final year tourism students with the opportunity to meet with key stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector and learn about employment opportunities and current trends within the industry.
It is also offers the chance for employers to scout for talents for upcoming graduates for trainee programmes within their organisations.
A total of 13 major industry partners attended the Careers Fair.
The head of the STHM, Professor David Harrison, said that it was promising for the School to see multinational brands represented and looking to employ the School’s graduates. These included organisations like Hilton, Starwood, Accor, Shangri-La, InterContinental, Outrigger, Warwick and the Tanoa Group of Hotels.
The Careers Fair was also attended by Carnival Australia, which has been attending the event for the last five years. Jacks of Fiji was the only non-hotel organisation at the event.
Carnival Australia is part of Carnival Corporation, the world’s leading cruise holiday company, representing iconic brands including Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises World Cruising, Princess Cruises and Seabourn.
Ms Scarlett Yim from Carnival Australia interviewed second-year students in preparation for a placement in 2014. Meanwhile the first six students earmarked for their Cruise internship will leave Fiji in January next year.
The flagship event was attended by 60 graduating students from STHM as well as second-year Bachelor of Commerce in Hotel Management students, who were interviewed for placements for their third year.
The School received positive feedback from the stakeholders on the calibre of students who attended the event.
“Many employers found that the students were confident and professional in the interview sessions and several students have already received calls for further interviews,” Professor Harrison added.
University students from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands studying tourism were also encouraged to attend the Careers Fair.
This, according to Professor Harrison, was to build the confidence and exposure of regional students in seeking employment when they return home.
He said that the School is grateful to Mr Michael Monks, the General Manager of the Shangri-La Fijian Resort & Spa, for his continuing support towards the School’s initiatives.
The InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa has offered to host the Careers Fair next year.
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