The economic downturn will be history, and there will be more jobs in Bermuda by the time today's students have their degrees.

So stated Premier Ewart Brown at the opening of Careers Fair 2009 at the Bermuda College yesterday, where he encouraged students to chase their dreams.

"When I was coming along there was no such thing as a careers fair," he said. "I lived in a community that was supportive of you. The closest I got to [a careers fair] was my parents, close family and some teachers. You now have the benefit of businesses supporting you in your effort of finding out exactly what you want to do to support your country.

"This kind of support is nothing short of amazing. Some of you will make the decision in the next couple of days what you want to do with your life."

A great education will help ensure job safety in times of an economic crisis, Dr. Brown said.

"It's a fact that people who seek higher education get let go later in the process. If you want to stay near the cut-off line and the danger line, don't further your education.

"Bermuda has two major pillars, international business and tourism. If you want to play a major role in either one of them, you must further your education. By the time you finish, the economic problems will be changed. I urge you to prepare yourselves for your future."

Careers Fair 2009 ends today. It was sponsored by the ACE Foundation, XL Group, Butterfield and Digicel.

Said event chairman Ralph Richardson yesterday as he welcomed students: "Today marks the fifth anniversary and we're happy that you all could be here. The ACE Foundation has been working with several other organisations for the last five years on an event that would attract young people. When young people are able to connect their learning to the workplace they make a much better connection."

Mr. Richardson told the students that an essay and graphic design competition would take place this year, where two students would get the chance to win a MacBook computer.

Sixteen-year-old S3 students at Berkeley Institute, Quindreika Jennings-Arorash and Anneisha White, said they were glad there was somewhere they could go to help with their career choice.

Quindreika was interested in fashion and cosmetology.

"I am not really sure what I want to be. I came here to get ideas. I want something in fashion design or a beautician."

Anneisha was more interested in science.

"I came because I could get some ideas of what I want to do in college, some different career choices. I always wanted to be a doctor but I don't know. Anything in science. I want to help people in the hospital."

Booths represented at the fair showcase various aspects of the workforce including Government departments, King Edward VII Hospital, the hospitality industry and this newspaper.

The fair finishes today.