UVI students expanded their employment horizons Wednesday at this year’s annual Career Fair Expo held on the school’s St. Croix campus.
“We want students to learn how they can use their education to create something for themselves since we are in an economic rough spot,” said Doris Farrington-Hepburn, counseling and career supervisor at UVI and coordinator of the expo.
Representatives from local businesses and government agencies told the students about career opportunities of which they may have never thought. It was also an opportunity for students to network with employers to learn about internships and job openings.
The theme of this year’s expo was “Step out of the box and reach beyond the horizon.”
Representatives, stationed at tables on different levels in the Evans Center, suggested students look outside the box and think about what options they have.
Heather Carty, V.I. Department of Tourism career coordinator, was pointing out to students the vast array of careers involved in tourism—from boat captains to pilots to kayak tour operators.
“Tourism is the backbone of our economy and the fastest-growing industry worldwide,” Carty said. “There are so many opportunities to become entrepreneurs in tourism here on St. Croix.”
Officer Samuel Gittens, of the VIPD’s Police Cadet Program, was telling a group of female students that everything in a policeman’s job isn’t scary.
“This past Easter weekend we stopped at the beaches and talked to campers, which was an enjoyable part of the job,” Gittens said. “Police work is crime prevention and not just fighting crime.”
“This expo is geared to 17- to 20-year-old students, so we are planting the seed for a career in law enforcement with the Police Cadet Program,” police recruiter Shermaine Petersen-Nielsen said. In the cadet program, students study and train with police department personnel and after completion have first priority in job vacancies.
Patrick Nugent, from O’Neale’s Transport, celebrating 40 years in business in the U.S. Virgin Islands, said there are many career opportunities in the transport business—from management to marketing to accounting.
Bill Patton, director of the Caribbean Kidney Center, had a banner above his table informing students that they are currently recruiting patient care technicians and registered nurses.
Meanwhile at the St. Croix East End Marine Park, there is an opening for a marine park coordinator, said Migdalia Roach, the park’s education outreach coordinator.
There were 30 different companies and agencies that took part in the expo, which has been held on the campus for well over 20 years, said Farrington-Hepburn. Some of those companies involved were Pinnacle Services, Village Partners in Recovery, AFLAC, and Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino.
“This is the third year I have been to the expo,” said student volunteer Cecily Lawrence. “And every year, I find out about different careers and the internships offered to help me reach my goals.”
