The 2024 Career’s Expo is off to a great start with the signing of its first gold sponsor, the Cook Islands Financial Services Development Authority, also known as Cook Islands Finance (CI Finance).

Chief executive officer Tony Fe’ao signed the contract on Friday afternoon with Ministry of Education and Go Careers Expo Organising Committee representative Jessie Sword.

Sword also announced that Fe’ao will be the keynote speaker for the day.

“We are so privileged, Tony,” Sword said in a statement. “Thank you so much for stepping up to the plate and being the first across the line to help our students and get this event off to a great start.”

Feao said: “On behalf of CI Finance, it is very exciting to be a sponsor of the upcoming Career’s Expo.”

“One of our strategic mandates is to highlight employment opportunities for young professionals in the financial services industry.”

The industry offers careers in law and accounting at wages comparable to those in New Zealand, and definitely higher than what is offered in the public service, the statement said.

“This allows professionals to work from home while earning competitive wages,” added Fe’ao.

“We attended last year’s Expo and had a great experience, so becoming a gold sponsor this year allows us to spread our message even further. We want to see more Cook Islanders enter the financial services industry.”

Their latest survey showed that there were 49 Cook Islanders who were part of the financial services industry, with all key players and directors being locals who have worked in the country for over 20 years.

“This industry offers career opportunities that can take you around the world to places like New York, Singapore, and the West Coast of the USA, where we promote our services,” said Feao. “Yet, you can also work here without leaving the comfort of our home island. We find this very exciting.”

Sword believes that CI Finance coming on board is already an indication of the kind of support they will get for this year’s Expo.

The 2024 Career’s Expo will be held at the National Auditorium on Thursday, June 13th, 2024, from 9am to 3pm. It is a public event, encouraging not only students in Years 11-13 to attend but also those seeking job opportunities.

If you would like to register as an exhibitor at the Career’s Expo or would like to be a sponsor, please contact the organising team at gocareersexpo682@gmail.com or phone 55242. Registrations close on May 25, 2024.