MCCS hosts annual island-wide job fair

Photo By Sgt. Alyssa N. Gunton | Marine Corps Community Services holds its annual community job fair at the community center on Camp Foster Sept. 9. MCCS hosted about 30 different vendors from companies throughout the island. Participants were able to meet possible employers and fill out applications at the event.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.14.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Alyssa N. Gunton 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Marine Corps Community Services community job fair was held at the community center here Sept. 9.

In the past, this annual job fair offered positions only within MCCS, but in recent years MCCS has made it a point to host employers from the entire island.

“We invited all branches of the military, along with other career opportunities throughout the island to our annual island-wide job fair,” said Maritza Torres, MCCS director of personnel.

The job fair hosted about 30 different employers, some offering about 10 job opportunities each.

“Offering jobs from more than one company makes it easier for people to find the right job for them,” said Nicole Smith, a payroll technician for MCCS.

This is a great way to find out what is available on the island, said Smith.

“The job fair opens your mind to other jobs that you may have never thought of before,” said Sandra Galloway, a general ledger accountant for MCCS.

This event is also a good way to network with employers and get a resume out to multiple organizations at one time and place, said Torres.

“It gives people the opportunity to be face-to-face with possible future employers,” said Thomas “T.K.” Noble, the club manager for the Ocean Breeze Consolidated Club. “It’s a great place to make a first impression.”

The in-person application process, which some may view as out-of-date, is still beneficial to applying for a job.

“I enjoyed coming because it’s such a great change from always applying to jobs online,” said Charles Jobe, a Marine spouse. “It’s more engaging meeting possible employers and a great way for them to see me more than an application.”

The employers seemed very approachable and excited to be attending this year’s community job fair.

“Everyone has been very friendly and knowledgeable,” said Lindsay Kern, a Marine spouse. “I’ve been able to get all my questions answered so far.”

The job fair offered more than just future career opportunities; MCCS raffled several door prizes, which included gift cards to Okinawa Soba Hanakina, Forest Adventure Park and Macaroni Grill.

“MCCS community job fair is always a great opportunity to meet employers and find good jobs,” said Noble. “If you’re sitting at home, bored, be sure to come to next year’s job fair.”

For more information contact MCCS at 645-3052 or visit http://www.mccsokinawa.com/.

• Date Taken: 09.14.2011
• Date Posted: 09.14.2011 03:13
• Story ID: 76994
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP