As Chapman University continues its commitment to excellence, Wilkinson College’s very own career advisor Erin Berthon recently led a career excursion to Hawaii, one of the largest states students at Chapman call home. This trip is the beginning of Chapman’s effort to strengthen our alumni network in regions where alumni could see themselves down the road.

Wilkinson students gather in Prince Waikiki Hotel lobby

Current students ranging from sophomores to seniors got the opportunity to tour various companies in order to gain an insight into possible careers and also what a possible career in Hawaii would be like. In our daily excursions we were surprised to hear the appreciation many employers had for bringing students back to their home, using the education they receive at Chapman to better Hawaii. With a diverse range of interests, students toured many places that covered a variety of employment opportunities. Most notably, we had the opportunity to tour Hawaiian Airlines, an international travel company, as well as Prince Waikiki, a luxury Hawaii-based resort. These two companies specifically offers a wide range of career opportunities from finance, marketing, logistics, and technology. As both of these companies are Hawaii based, every function of the company is done on-site in Hawaii, and students were given the opportunity to understand the businesses’ functions in both a regional and international context.

In addition to the travel and tourism industries, students were also able to explore career areas such as medicine, public relations, and governmental agencies. We had the opportunity to tour

Outside of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Adventist Health Castle, a reputable hospital in Hawaii known for its excellence and the only company in Hawaii to receive the Malcom Baldrige National Quality Award. We also explored Nashimoto & Associates, a large public relations company that links Japanese and American marketing tactics, language, and culture. Students also explored careers at the Hawaii State Capitol and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. We were surprised to see just how widely diverse the career opportunities were.

This experience has allowed Chapman University to learn more about future opportunities in Hawaii and has spread Chapman’s reputation around Hawaii in a professional manner. Every employer was impressed that this Orange County college was making an effort to educate and ensure the future of students wherever they may find themselves after they earn their degree. Additionally, they were thankful that Chapman was opening students’ eyes to the opportunities they have by moving back home.

Chappy Hour Hawaii, 2020

Before leaving, our delegation of Chapman students had the chance to attend a Chappy Hour, which brought together current students, alumni, and Chapman family in an amazing networking opportunity and fun social gathering.

This excursion was incredibly valuable in demonstrating the commitment to our students, increasing Chapman’s national recognition, and creating networks beyond Orange County to continuously support our community. There is not a doubt that future excursions like this one will be equally as fruitful.

 

Wilkinson students prior to a day of career excursions