By Chloe Meyere, Duck Career Network Communications Associate and UO Student

Craig Furuya ’96
Associate Publisher, This Week Publications

As the associate publisher for Hawaii’s This Week Publications, alumnus Craig Furuya ’96 oversees much of the company’s operations. Though he now fills an exciting management role, Furuya has not always been at the top; his success demanded years of work and commitment. 

 

Oregon Provides Important Lessons in Learning

 

The San Diego native was unsure where his future would carry him; however, he knew that the University of Oregon would allow him ample opportunity to explore a variety of fields. Initially, Furuya considered accounting but very quickly learned that a career in finance was not for him. After exploring different classes, he decided upon journalism and began his time in the UO School of Journalism and Communication. Upon receiving his degree, the graduate applied for several journalist positions and landed a job as a news editor with the Siuslaw News in Florence, Oregon. 

Furuya confesses that working entry-level jobs in journalism is no easy task, but admits that it provides important experience.

“I was living in a town that was primarily a retirement community, and was making just enough to survive, but I learned so much more than I ever expected I would,” he recalls. 

Furuya explains that in addition to getting to work with city officials and learn about local government, he acquired valuable life skills. 

“It taught me to be accountable right out of college. People weren’t afraid to point out mistakes I made in my writing or projects, which made me strive for perfection.”

 

Testing the Waters: a Variety of Work Gives Direction

 

After a year in Florence, Furuya decided it was time for a move. Young and eager to enjoy all aspects of life, he decided that Hawaii would be his next destination. Unsure of what direction he hoped to take his career, the journalism graduate decided to try his hand as a graphic designer for This Week Publications in Honolulu. Though very different from the work he was used to, this new position allowed Furuya to gain experience and learn more about the software that was quickly becoming prevalent in his field. In 2000, a year after his arrival at This Week Publications, Furuya discovered a position at a Hawaiian advertising agency and decided to explore this new opportunity. 

“Starr Seigle was one of the larger advertising agencies in Hawaii," he said. "I was a project manager, so I was finally beginning to take on more responsibility. There were more deadlines, time crunches, and with that more pressure. It gave me a good perspective into how big companies work.” His time at Starr Seigle set him up for the future. 

 

Climbing the Ranks and Broadening his Skill Set

 

In 2001, Furuya’s former employer asked him to return to This Week Publications. He has since climbed the ranks from production manager to his role today as associate publisher. Furuya has held true to his undergraduate disinterest in finance, and he now oversees almost all departments but accounting. 

In 2008, in part because of the economic crisis, Furuya attended the University of Hawaii’s three-year business program to receive his MBA. He remembers those as years of uncertainty, and Furuya knew he needed a backup plan. If anything would have happened, Furuya’s degree would have given him a competitive edge in finding new work. Ultimately, Furuya’s job at This Week Publications was not affected, but he still stands by his decision, explaining that it gave him an in-depth understanding of the work he does, and skills he uses every day. 

 

Being Open Minded is Key to Success

 

Though his career has strayed from journalism, the writing and communication skills that Furuya acquired from his undergraduate education were critical to his success. He believes these skills are important in an array of professional fields, including business and journalism. But above all other skills, Furuya emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness.

“In college, I had no idea all these jobs even existed," he said. "I started out not being sure of what I wanted to do, and was lucky enough to find opportunities that guided me. I had to learn to be open-minded though, and adjust to how other people did things. My way was not always the best way. You definitely have to pay your dues in this industry, and sometimes go for the jobs you wouldn’t initially seek out. However, I found out that you could be very pleasantly surprised, doing something different and new.”

President of the UOAA Hawaii Chapter

 

Furuya's connection to, and passion for, the University of Oregon has led him to a steady involvement with the UO Alumni Association. He describes his time as UOAA Hawaii chapter president: 

“Some of the skills I have developed over the years have helped me as current president of the University of Oregon Alumni Association’s Hawaii chapter. It has been a wonderful experience meeting with prospective Ducks, connecting with current UO students, and networking with alumni. Everyone had a different experience as students, but we all share a common bond in our connection to UO.”