Honolulu, HI, September 19 | When it comes to the future of technology and innovation in Hawai’i, it all starts with the up-and-coming generations of talent and curious minds being cultivated in our colleges and universities.
This week, Oceanit Senior Engineer Dr. Tarah Suiter, who specializes in Biomimetics, was invited by the University of Hawai’i at Manoa’s College of Engineering to present on Oceanit’s latest bioengineering projects and to discuss the current landscape of engineering opportunities in Hawai’i for students.
The event, titled “Best Foot Forward: Advice from the Pros for Budding Engineers,” brought together professionals from local companies and State departments to offer inspiration and insights on the current and future engineering landscape. With over 50 students in attendance, the event showcased the need for engineering talent to fuel the growing job needs in the State.
During her presentation, Dr. Suiter highlighted the diverse range of engineering opportunities at Oceanit, from civil to aerospace engineering projects. She emphasized the increasing demand for civil engineering in Hawaii, particularly in supporting and protecting critical infrastructure in the face of sea level rise and a changing climate.
According to Projections Central (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor), Hawaii’s civil engineering sector is projected to grow by 7% between 2020 and 2030, leading to a rise in engineering positions across the Islands.
Oceanit, founded in Honolulu in 1985, has long been a proponent of growing science and technology in Hawai’i. UH has been a consistent partner during the last forty years, often placing talented interns in Oceanit’s annual summer internship program, OSI. OSI nurtures talent and provides students hands-on experience in their chosen scientific fields. The positions offer mentorship and skill development, laying a foundation for a successful engineering career, with many of the interns returning to Oceanit when their studies are complete.
“Securing internships and gaining experience is invaluable for students to discover their preferences, build foundational knowledge, and drive innovative engineering. At Oceanit, we hope that our presence, programs, and recruitment efforts are helping to foster an innovation economy in Hawaii,” said Dr. Suiter.
In addition to Oceanit, representatives from Hawaiian Electric Company, SSFM International, Albert C. Kobayashi, Boeing, and the Hawaii Department of Transportation also shared their insights on how students can prepare for the upcoming Career Expo. Oceanit attends each annual Engineering Career Expo at UH and showcases the latest openings and positions within the Oceanit Ohana.
