Free preparation for information technology careers in local companies is being offered through a series of events called “Tech Days of Spring 2023” presented by the University of Hawaiʻi and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, March 21–April 6, 2023.
Tech Days is the result of many organizations collaborating to expand information technology career preparedness for Hawaiʻi high school and college students in an effort to grow a local, skilled talent pipeline for the thousands of in-demand, local IT jobs.
“We are working across our UH campuses to build a strong IT workforce pipeline—from help desk and network technicians to data scientists and software engineers,” said UH President David Lassner. “The need throughout the community for these skills at multiple levels of expertise has never been greater. Our goal is to connect our graduates with local employers who are looking to hire into these high paying, in-demand jobs and then provide continuing education opportunities to support professional development and promotion.”
Events will be held both in person and virtually. Event organizers hope to inspire students and showcase the exciting local career opportunities available in the tech industry.
“The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is a proud partner of Tech Days of Spring 2023 which matches tech employers with local students via career fairs, talk stories and externship experiences. Hawaiʻi’s tech industry is making strides to put Hawaiʻi at the forefront of innovation and IT security, so it is critical for the economic future of our state that we prepare our young people for these in-demand careers,” said Sherry Menor-McNamara, president and CEO of Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. “The 10 days of in-person and virtual events will also bring awareness to Hawaiʻi’s thriving tech industry.”
Students can register for all Tech Days events at go.hawaii.edu/km3.
Interested employers should contact Eliza Talbot, VP of communications, public affairs and strategy at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii at etalbot@cochawaii.org. For more information about the Chamber’s Education and Workforce Development programs visit cochawaii.org/sector-partnerships.
UH Tech & Intelligence Virtual Career Expo
One of the highlights of Tech Days is the UH Tech & Intelligence Virtual Career Expo on March 24, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. This is an online opportunity for students and recent UH graduates to explore career options in the technology, IT and intelligence sectors with local and national industry partners. Prospective participants are encouraged to complete their profile and register at https://go.hawaii.edu/ztk.
A pre-fair workshop on tips and best practices on how to prepare for the Career Expo is being held on March 22 at 12 noon. Register for the workshop at https://go.hawaii.edu/kFV.
Tech Days of Spring 2023 schedule:
Tuesday, March 21, 4:30–6:30 p.m. Talk Story with Tech Professionals
Location: University Lab School cafeteria
Meet with tech professionals in a variety of roles at a diverse range of companies. Hawaiʻi Department of Education (DOE) welcome to join.
[Participant Registration Open]
Wednesday, March 22, 12–1 p.m. Tips & Best Practices on How to Prepare for a Virtual Career Fair
Location: Virtual via Zoom
This workshop will teach you tips and best practices to help you be successful at a virtual career fair.
[Participant Registration Open]
Thursday, March 23, 9:30–11 a.m. Hawaii Tech at the Forefront Panel
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Hear from Hawaiʻi IT industry leaders about projects that place Hawaiʻi at the forefront of technology innovation. DOE welcome to join.
[Participant Registration Open]
Friday, March 24, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Virtual UH Tech & Intelligence Career Fair
Location: Virtual via Brazen
Meet with recruiters from a wide range of technology companies.
Visit the official website
Employer and participant registration are open.
March 28, 12–1:30 p.m. Leap-Start Experience Excelerator Panel
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Hear from current Leap-Start participants as well as recent graduates regarding this internship opportunity.
[Link to Join Zoom Call]
March 29, 5:30–7 p.m. Talk Story with Tech Leaders
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Interact 1:1 with Hawaiʻi‘s technology leaders and learn how you can jump start your career.
[Registration link opening soon]
March 31, 1–5 p.m. UH Tech & Intelligence Career Fair – Meet & Greet
Location: UH Mānoa, Campus Center
Follow up your Career Expo with in-person recruiter meetings.
[Employer Registration link]
April 6, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Downtown IT Educator Externship
Location: Entrepreneurs Sandbox and downtown businesses
Educators from select schools will participate in a downtown discovery on IT careers with host companies. DOE IT teachers please contact Lord Ryan Lizardo at lrlizardo@cochawaii.org.
Besides UH and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, partners include IT Sector Partnership, CIO Council of Hawaiʻi, Cyber Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Defense Alliance, Thrive HI, the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship, Builders VC and the Association of Computing Machinery Student Chapter.
