“A lot of them, about 90 percent if not more, teach on island,” she said.
NMC’s elementary education students completed their practicum at local public schools and have developed good relationship with the Public School System, Santos said.
This year, NMC will graduate 135 students in elementary education, liberal arts, business, nursing, accounting, business management, computer application, criminal justice, hospitality management, early childhood education, related services technician and construction trades.
Santos said most of those who complete two-year certification programs will most likely go off-island to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
To encourage NMC students to work in the CNMI, Santos said they will help their graduates obtain local employment.
“We want to see them use what they learned at NMC for the community,” she added.
Despite the economic downturn, Santos said “most of our graduates want to make a difference here in their community.”
NMC provides its students with career services to make them “employable,” she added.
This month, NMC will assist graduating candidates and other students prepare for and find jobs suited for their skills.
NMC will hold a career development workshop that will focus on resume building, interview techniques and etiquette as well as running a business.
The resume building workshop will be held on April 14, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in room D1. The program will teach students prepare a professional resume that reflects their skills, knowledge and education relevant to the jobs they are seeking.
The self-employment program is scheduled for April 16, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in room D1.
This program will help students find out if self-employment is the right option for them, and discuss critical issues relating to business planning.
On April 21, at the same venue and time schedule, the interviewing techniques and etiquettes program workshop will be held.
It will help students prepare for an interview and how to follow-up with prospective employers. During the workshop, participants will participate in mock interviews.
NMC President Carmen Fernandez said these activities are “part of NMC’s overall effort to ensure that our graduating students have an edge in finding and securing careers they enjoy and are passionate about.”
NMC will also hold a career fair for employers seeking new employees. Santos said they have already sent 12 invitations to different business establishments in the CNMI.
