MCCS Job Fair opens opportunities to service members, families

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.01.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Heather Johnson 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa, Japan - For service members preparing to transition out of the military or personnel looking for career opportunities on Okinawa, Marine Corps Community Services will be hosting its annual Community Job Fair at the community center on Camp Foster Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Spouses, family members of active-duty military and other status of forces agreement personnel are encouraged to attend,” said Dave Tanenbaum, a talent-acquisition supervisor with MCCS and coordinator of the event. “Hard-to-fill positions are occasionally filled by other than military family members; however, spouses have the priority.”

This is a once-a-year opportunity for job seekers to network and speak with recruiters from more than 30 organizations.

“If you are looking for a job on island or may be in the future, you do not want to miss this fair,” he added.

The job fair will offer a large group of hiring managers, giving candidates the opportunity to speak and network with future employers as well as submitting their resumes.

Representatives with the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, private organizations, universities and other organizations will meet with career seekers during the event, said Tanenbaum.

Participating organizations, invited by MCCS, include: Army and Air Force Exchange Service; Booz Allen Hamilton; American Engineering Corporation; Counseling and Advocacy; Civilian Human Resources Office; Community Bank; U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa; MCCS Facilities; Navy Federal; Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation; Personal Services Center; Semper Fit; University of Phoenix and Kadena Air Base.

All SOFA personnel are authorized to attend, and translators will be available for Japanese-speaking job seekers.

“Professionals will be on hand to give resume-writing tips to those who are looking to improve their current job skills,” said Maritza Torres-Wells, the director of Non-Appropriated Funds and Human Resources Office with MCCS. “The fair will benefit those service members who are about to separate or active duty personnel who are looking for flexible hourly positions.”

Active-duty service members have to receive an authorization letter approved by their command stating they have permission to work part-time jobs outside their military obligations, said Tanenbaum.

Several vendors will represent an incredibly diverse group of businesses designed to make Okinawa a permanent home for families located on island.

“I think this job fair could be very helpful to fellow Marines,” said Cpl. Lorne J. Smith Jr., a troop handler with the Joint Reception Center, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “It could give them a better idea of what they want to do after they get out of the military. With my end of active service nearing, this job fair could have the job that I’m looking for and more details about what I may need to do.”

Some career possibilities coincide with current or previous military occupations.

“Some positions may require college degrees or a combination of work experience and education,” said Torres-Wells. “Other positions may require specialized trainings and certifications.”

For more information or details, contact MCCS at 645-3052.

• Date Taken: 09.01.2011
• Date Posted: 09.01.2011 01:49
• Story ID: 76270
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP