The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Lautoka Campus organised a Careers Fair on 19 November that garnered interest from the students and prominent household business organisations.
Professionals from renowned companies such as the Tanoa Group, Hilton Resort, Marriott Hotel, Raffe Hotels & Resorts, Motibhai Group, Punjas Ltd, Centrecom, Jacks of Fiji and Ernst & Young were present to interact with the enthusiastic students.
Campus Director, Dr Pramila Devi highlighted that the event provided skills-based, diploma and undergraduate students with internship opportunities to enhance their technical and soft skills for employability.
“Some company representatives said that they do not mind engaging first-year tertiary students and mentoring them as interns during the holidays because this allows them to coach and mentor the interns. Most of the company representatives also mentioned that most of those on internships eventually get hired as full-time staff,” Dr Devi said.
She added the fair received positive responses from both students and the companies. A few of the organisations at the fair have also requested students to forward their CVs, with some students beginning their internship in December.
She informed that based on a positive response from all stakeholders they are planning to make the careers fair an annual event at USP Lautoka Campus.
“Based on the positive outcomes, we plan to make the Careers Fair an annual event at our Lautoka Campus,” Dr Devi shared.
Raffle Group of Hotels and Resorts Group Manager Learning & Capability, Quality Assurance and Environmental Sustainability, Altaab Khan said they were pleased to assist the students at the fair.
Khan said they were able to meet and interview the students, understand their studies and discuss opportunities such as attachment, apprenticeship, part-time and full-time employment.
“We collected a lot of CVs from the students to include in our talent bank. We thank USP for organising such an event where companies have the chance to meet the students at their campus.”
Jacks of Fiji Group People and Capability Manager, Ronald Reddy emphasised that such events allow companies to communicate to students directly about the specific requirement and qualifications companies needed to recruit them.
Reddy said they also emphasised the succession and career growth opportunities available to students at their organisations.
Second-year Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource and International Business Management) student, Shika Shania Kumar said the Careers Fair was informative as she was able to speak with many company representatives in one place.
Akuila Mataniloma, a third-year Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Economics) student, said he was grateful to be a part of the Careers Fair and learnt first-hand about the industry expectations following graduation.
Second-year student in Land Management and Development Studies, Mere Rakadoa, stressed that the event allowed students to set goals aligned with a company’s employment entry requirements.
“It gives us students the opportunity to learn from the right professionals to get ourselves ready for the job market. The fair introduces us to our various industry employers before we begin employment.”
