Hitachi Rail Honolulu connects with future engineers at University of Hawaiʻi

By Lauretta M. Galbraith, Head of Internal Communications Americas

Hitachi Rail isn’t just shaping the future of urban transportation; we’re also working to inspire the next generation of engineers to be part of it.

A team from Honolulu recently connected with students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) College of Engineering at two events held in celebration of Engineer Week. The events were part of the university’s broader efforts to encourage students to explore career paths and design their futures in engineering.

The first event, Best Foot Forward, happened the week before Engineering Week. It brought together industry professionals to discuss career-building topics, from securing internships to standing out in the job market.

Hitachi Rail’s Rod Baybayan led a session about acing interviews and preparing for long-term career success. In addition to providing an overview of the Skyline project, his advice gave students a firsthand look at what it takes to thrive in the rail industry, reinforcing how the skills they develop now can lead to rewarding careers.

The second event, the UHM Career Expo, attracted more than 150 companies. It provided an opportunity for the Honolulu team to engage with students from across the state who are exploring career options. Rod was joined by several colleagues – Gowtham Balakrishnan, Jalen Larita, Wes Oglesby, and Cara Mazzei – as they shared insights about industry trends, career growth, and what it means to be part of a transformative transit project like Honolulu Skyline.

Skyline is a key component of Honolulu’s plan to modernize its transportation system. With rising traffic congestion and sustainability goals in mind, the rail system is designed to offer a reliable, efficient alternative to traditional vehicle travel. Once completed, Skyline will help reduce road congestion, cut down on carbon emissions, and provide an essential link across the city.

“For engineers and students entering the workforce, the Skyline project presents an opportunity to contribute to a major urban transportation development with long-term impact,” said Jason Lurz, Head of Operations and Maintenance for Hitachi Rail North America. “The system is playing a significant role in shaping the city’s future mobility landscape for generations to come.”