Story by Noah Shoaf and Alyssa Odom. Photos by Monique Saenz
With BYU–Hawaii’s mission statement “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve,” in mind, during March 6 to March 9, employers, alumni and self-reliance managers came to BYUH for the second annual Asian Pacific Career Conference (APCC).
Video by Diandra Mongan
According to Kathleen Dean Espi, a BYUH aluma and a representative for the Ezy Service Centre Corporation, the APCC gives students hope because they can find jobs and mentors from their home countries. She added the conference helps students fulfill their promise to return home when they finish at BYUH.
“I wish I had the APCC during my time. I received an email from a student who I was under the impression was not going to go back to the Philippines after graduating. After talking to her, she has the confidence to go home. Resources that come from the APCC gave her the hope that if she comes home, she will not have to suffer unemployment," said Espi.
“I was walking around the McKay Foyer where it says 'Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve,' and it just makes more sense. I went home and fulfilled my promise. Now I am helping others get jobs.”
We are BYUH
To kick off the 2019 APCC, with the theme "We Belong Together," BYUH President John S. Tanner and Vice President John Bell spoke to the 100 visiting employers.
“Aloha is more than a word,” said Tanner. “It is a way of saying love and communicating worth and spirit. We want you to feel something when you come to this campus. For us, it is the spirit of love and the gospel of Jesus Christ that so many of us are committed to here.”
He added students and employers alike both come from a wide variety of backgrounds. “BYU–Hawaii is where people from various countries can learn mutual respect. That is needed in today’s world.”
Bell echoed the words of Tanner and discussed how BYUH’s educational program is set up for students to be ready to enter the workforce.
“We see you as our partner, and we ask you to help us, to take them on. These [students] are people who are filled with integrity, who work hard, and who can be what the world needs today.”
Career Fair
“I am here for the networking and finding out about different opportunities within companies,” said Olivia Griffith, a freshman from Utah majoring in psychology, at the APCC Career Fair.
Roxy Ringor, representing Walmart, said she came to the career fair to find assistant manager trainees and educate students there are many positions within Walmart beyond the retail stores.
“Even though we are hiring for assistant manager positions, the possibilities beyond the scenes are endless because Walmart has a logistics, buying, and marketing divisions,” said Ringor.
Hannah Jansson, a freshman from Sweden majoring in business finance and supply chain, said she talked to Walmart at the fair then set up an interview with the company because it would be a great learning experience.
“Walmart is a very successful corporation, so they must be doing a lot of things right. The interview was very casual, and the lady who interviewed me was so kind and wanted to make sure that I was comfortable,” said Jansson.
Breakout Sessions
After the career fair, representatives shared their experiences and advice at panels for students.
At the Fiji, Kiribati and Vanuatu Regional Breakout Session, Ron Chand, a senior from Fiji majoring in accounting and marketing, said he liked how the employers showed the value of studying at BYUH.
Chand also said he liked how the employers emphasized the experience we gain from activities such as work and leadership callings is important to potential employers. Photo by Noah Shoaf.
Marla Chinbold, a sophomore from Mongolia majoring in finance, said during the Mongolia breakout session, “It was a great opportunity to hear advice from the biggest company representatives from Mongolia.”
“They shared their success stories and how we can prepare ourselves to start our career upon graduation. A Mongolian Talent Network representative said students always say they will do it differently when they enter the real world, but this is the real world. Everything you have developed in yourself right now will carry throughout your life," said Chinbold. Photos by Noah Shoaf
At the Philippines Regional Breakout Session, a representative told students they can compete in the job market if they expose themselves to extracurricular activities. “Look for more ways to be a leader. BYUH is a school of leaders. Don’t let President McKay down, fulfill the vision.”
President of the Filipino Chapter, Mark Lois Eyo, a senior majoring in political science and TESOL from the Philippines, said the breakout session was a great opportunity for Filipino student because they could network with the employers.
“This chance to meet all these employers who are willing to give us opportunities will increase our confidence to go home after we graduate and fulfill President McKay's vision to spread peace internationally," said Eyo. Photo by Noah Shoaf.
Lectures with Adobe's Steve Eldredge
Steve Eldredge, senior manager at Adobe Systems, visited the APCC and taught students how to make better resumes and how to improve confidence during job interviews. These workshops were given to students on March 8.
Through identifying themselves, finding a direction, and making connections with people and companies, students will find greater success in creating resumes, said Eldredge.
“Create a personal vision”, said Eldredge to the students. “I promise that if you do and if you practice it, you will show up differently.”
Closing Concert
To close out the week, President Tanner welcomed companies and students at the Polynesian Cultural Center Hale Aloha to enjoy a closing concert with music from community members on March 8.
“With the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe we are brothers and sisters. We belong to the same family and treat each other with respect. I hope you felt that spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood on this campus, and we want you to take that with you. May we see you again next year," said President Tanner.
Nagyeom Jung, a senior from Korea majoring in communications, said she helped translate during the week of the APCC for a producer from Arirang Broadcasting Company.
In regards to the concert, Jung said the loud atmosphere made it hard to network. “I think the organization of the table seating should be changed for next year because people are sitting with their friends instead of networking with employers.”
Mark Macdonald, the director of Alumni and Career Services, said his emotions were "tied up" as the APCC came to a close.
“I am leaving employment here in the next couple of months. I will be pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of San Diego in September. I was accepted a year ago, but they asked me to stay for this conference.”
He added he still wants this event to grow without him with more employers and faculty participation.
“President Tanner and the VP have included this in the university’s strategic plan, so it is something they talk about with the prophet and board of trustees. APCC will continue to happen on continual bases. It is by no means a ‘Mark Macdonald thing.’ It will continue to grow on in the hands of another capable director,” said Macdonald.
“This [week] was a product of the Lord. All of us who [were] involved with the APCC felt confident that this week was a product of the Lord.”
Hukilau
A traditional Hawaiian Hukilau was held on Saturday, March 9, giving the APCC attendees an opportunity to experience firsthand this special Hawaiian tradition. Employers, students, faculty, and community members alike all joined together on the windy Saturday morning for the event.
Bob Kahawaii, his brother in law Sonny Ah Puck and their family took the lead in organizing and running this event for the APCC. Kahawaii and his family are experienced in organizing and performing the hukilau as they do it multiple times a year both for community events and family reunions, he said.
“We do it for ourselves and the community when we can because not too many people do it anymore,” said Kahawaii.
This is the second year in a row that they have taken the lead of putting together the hukilau as one of the closing events of the Asia Pacific Career Conference.