“Step-by-Step” into the future: 5,500 youngsters at Curaçao Study & Career Fair 2014

At a young age many kids have all kinds of dreams. All too soon, when they reach adolescence, they are expected to make life choices that will lead them to a more advanced study that must prepare them for a bright career. School counselors, as well as the internet, are a good sources of information.

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Another resource that has helped many young adults make those important life choices about what to study and which profession they will pursue is the annual Curaçao Study & Career Fair. The most recent one was held November 6-7, 2014, in the Exhibition Hall of the World Trade Center. During the two-day event, over 5,500 local youngsters, as well as teachers, counselors and parents, visited the various booths where they could get ample information about options for specialized studies and career opportunities, both locally and abroad.

Since 1993, Mon Art Productions has been in charge of organizing this yearly event under the auspices of the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Organizer Daisy Casimiri of Mon Art Productions believes that the fair has gained a solid reputation as a prime source of information on what is relevant to a future career, and also what is required to grab opportunities that lie ahead. A great number of schools and educational institutions of all types and levels, which included local and foreign universities, as well as companies and educational organizations, were represented.

Right Choices
Correct and complete information, along with the best possible preparations, are of vital importance to these young people to make the right choices from all that is presented to them. This is relevant for those who want to stay in Curaçao, as well as for those who wish to study abroad. The Study & Career Fair aims primarily at the youngsters from the last two grades of the secondary schools in Curaçao. In large numbers they attended the two-day fair in the morning hours, accompanied by their school counselors and teachers. The fair was also open in the evening to the general public, so students could return with their parents if they wanted to ask for additional or more specific information.

Correct and complete information, along with the best possible preparations, are of vital importance to these young people to make the right choices from all that is presented to them. This is relevant for those who want to stay in Curaçao, as well as for those who wish to study abroad. The Study & Career Fair aims primarily at the youngsters from the last two grades of the secondary schools in Curaçao. In large numbers they attended the two-day fair in the morning hours, accompanied by their school counselors and teachers. The fair was also open in the evening to the general public, so students could return with their parents if they wanted to ask for additional or more specific information.

Potholes
The theme for the study fair was “step-by-step.” This theme was chosen to indicate that a well-organized plan will help young adults accomplish their goals. Along the way they will have to keep updated on the current trends in their respective fields to maintain competency at a professional level. Organizers gave the following advice to the future professionals: “Having the job of your dreams won’t happen overnight. It takes a long journey on a road with many curves and potholes. Reaching your destination is only possible through a step-by-step approach.” It was stressed that their dream job is only within reach if they prepare diligently, with the first step being to gain all the relevant information and data needed to decide on a career path.

Having the job of your dreams won’t happen overnight. It takes a long journey on a road with many curves and potholes. Reaching your destination is only possible through a step-by-step approach.

One-on-one Talks
The fair offers a rather unique chance for one-on-one talks about specific issues related to studies and jobs overseas, often to young students who have no idea how to start down the path of continuing education to pursue their desired careers. There was also a lot of information available to those who prefer not to leave their family and island. However, when the opportunities for certain studies are not available in Curaçao, it is always a big help when foreign institutions that offer these studies are at the fair to give personalized information to local adolescents.

Parents’ Role
Equally important were the parent information meetings, which were introduced for the first time at the fair in 2013 and were an immediate success. Parents play an important role in the decision making process, so they should also be well informed about what is required for their child to start down his/her career path. A workshop for parents was held on both days of the fair. Jealaine Alexander-Wawoe of “My Future Career” organized the workshops in cooperation with the counselors. Alexander-Wawoe stated, “The parents show interest because it is about the career of their son or daughter. The timing is terrific, because it takes place in the time of the year when students and their parents are in a process of making choices.” In the workshops the parents not only received general information about what is needed to start the planning process, but also received practical advice on how to guide their children.

Supply and Demand
Mr. Billy Jonckheer, president of the Chamber of Commerce, took the opportunity to recommend that youngsters not only to look at what they want to become, but also at which option gives them the best possible chance to get a job afterwards and succeed in the Curaçao society.

He also said that the private sector should indicate more clearly which positions are available, both in the short and long term, to help students know which positions are in greater demand. He believes the sector should strive for a better balance between the supply and demand of the labor market, which is in the best interest of all stakeholders.

Challenge for 2015
Planning for the 21st Annual Study & Career Fair is already taking place; a similar successful event is anticipated for next year. While most ingredients will remain virtually the same, the goal is always to make improvements. In previous years, on each day of the fair, the students were a mix of different entry levels. The idea has come up to reserve one morning for students with a level required for colleges and universities (MBO, VWO, Havo, Universities), while the other morning will focus more on advanced vocational schooling and preparation. This would also make it easier for the schools and universities to concentrate on the target groups that will be attending. The organizers have the challenge of working out a new plan of this kind for the Study & Career Fair 2015, which will again take place in November.