Evan Nakatsuka, Master of Science in KRS Alumnus

"Whatever I learned in class or through assignments, I could apply at work the next day..."

Where do you work?

I have been the Assistant Director of Programs at Abilities Unlimited for the past four years.

What drew you to the rehabilitation counseling?

The degree program was very convenient for me because of the part-time, online structure. The opportunity to intern in various vocational rehabilitation settings also drew me to the program as it provided me with hands-on learning opportunities that I couldn’t have gained independently.

How did the program assist you in your career path?

Whatever I learned in class or through assignments, I could apply at work the next day since I was already in the vocational rehabilitation field as a job placement specialist. I gained a better understanding of the principles of the field and was able to help my company provide more resources and service options for consumers of public vocational rehabilitation services on Oʻahu.

Describe how you became a Rehabilitation Counselor in Hawaii.

I work for a non-profit that has contracts with the State of Hawaiʻi Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. I was encouraged to look into the rehabilitation counseling program by the vocational rehabilitation counselors at DVR, and I thought it was very applicable to my current position and future career goals. Soon after learning about the program, my company hired two KRS students, and their guidance helped me complete the application process and commit to pursuing a graduate degree.

What advice would you give current or prospective students about this program?

I would say to research current companies that provide private and public vocational rehabilitation services so that you have a variety of internship and employment options to pursue. In the graduate program, you learn about ethics, principles, and techniques, but seeing how that is applied in the field can help you get a better idea of what skills you would like to develop and how you can contribute.

What are you future plans / goals in the field?

I’d like to improve how my company creates job match opportunities for people with disabilities by providing more detailed labor market information and skill development opportunities for consumers so that they can make informed choices about the employment opportunities that they pursue.

Interested in speaking with an advisor about the program? HRC Director Kathryn K. Yamamoto will answer your questions and tell you more about getting started as a Rehabilitation Counselor.

The Hawai‘i Rehabilitation Counseling program (HRC) is offered online and prepares rehabilitation professionals as well as individuals new to the field to work effectively in the rehabilitation service delivery system. The program is accredited by the Council of Rehabilitation Education (CORE) and requires 3 years of enrollment (6 credits/semester) in a hybrid online environment.

Read interviews with students, alumni, and faculty in other College of Education programs.