Deja Davis
Managing Editor
Known for her roles in big screen films “A Time to Kill”, “Mississippi Burning” and the television series, “In the Heat of the Night”, Tommie “Tonea” Stewart will be the fall 2019 graduate and undergraduate commencement speaker on Friday, Dec. 6 in the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center beginning at 10 a.m.
The Greenwood, Miss. native and former Miss JSU, received her B.S in Speech and Theatre from Jackson State University and her M.A in Theatre Arts from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
In 1989 she completed her Ph.D. in Theatre Arts from Florida State University, becoming the first African-American female to receive a doctorate from the FSU School of Theatre Arts.
In addition, she is a retired tenured professor and was dean of the College of Visual & Performing Arts at Alabama State University.
Outside of her film work, she is a member of the Order of The Golden Circle, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and the Hutchinson Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala.
Many students who have not found employment may be concerned about finding that first job after graduation. According to an article written by Mike Profita on the website: thebalancecareers.com, graduates should take charge of the process.
- Check with the university career center.Begin by tapping the resources that are available to you as a student or recent graduatefrom your college. Visit the career office and meet with a career advisor to discuss your options. JSU’s Career Services Center is located in the Reddix Building. Students can call 601-979-2477 for more information.
- Start Networking: Networking can be one of the most effective ways to land a job. In fact, a joint survey conducted by LinkedIn and The Adler Group revealed that 85 percent of all jobs are obtained through networking. The best approach is often an indirect one, such as reaching out to contacts for information and advice rather than directly asking people to hire you.
· Create a LinkedIn Profile: Not only is LinkedIn a great place to build a network, but it also serves as another way to showcase what you have to offer, build your personal brand, search and apply for jobs, and connect with recruiters and potential employers.
· Develop a Professional Website: Creating your own website can serve as a platform that you own where you can express your personality with your own branding, showcase your skills with a portfolio of work samples, and demonstrate your knowledge through a blog or other content you create.
· Target Your Resume and Cover Letter: As your career goals begin to crystallize, develop versions of your resume that are targeted to specific jobs. Avoid generic cover letters.
· Organize Your Job Search: Treat your job search like an actual job, and get organized. Keep a database of all your applications and contacts.
According to a CNBC report, with an ever-aging U.S. population and advances in medical care, health-care professions top the list of in-demand jobs for 2019, according to a new report from jobs site CareerCast.
The U.S. unemployment rate is below 4 percent, leaving many employers struggling to fill positions. In fact, last year there were more openings than there were people looking for jobs.
According to the report, here are the top 5 most in-demand jobs for 2019
- Application software developer. Annual median salary: $101,790
- Medical services manager. Annual median salary: $98,350
- Registered nurse. Annual median salary: $70,000
- Medical technologist. Annual median salary: $51,770
- Construction laborer. Annual median salary: $34,350
Many graduating seniors are looking forward to life post-graduation and expressed their overall experience attending Jackson State.
Carmen McDonald, a senior healthcare administration major from Heidelberg, Miss., stated that her time at JSU was nothing short of amazing.
“I’ve had many unforgettable experiences that I would not trade for anything. I am looking forward to getting out into the real world and experiencing different areas in my field.
LaDerek Thompson, a senior social work major from Tutwiler, Miss., is also eager to begin life post-JSU.
“I’ve learned a lot at JSU as it relates to life lessons and how to conduct myself in the professional world. I’ve met some of the most amazing people and lost a couple on the way. In fact, I wouldn’t go back and change not one thing. I live by the quote, ‘Business before BS’ because it keeps my momentum to be productive at the highest,” Thompson said.
Thompson added: “After graduation I plan on getting my social work license and continuing my education at JSU for my master’s degree.”
Mark Carter, a senior, therapeutic recreation major, said he is ready for the next chapter in his life to unfold.
“I enjoyed my experience at Jackson State University. From starting off marching in the boom to getting more into my major and working. I’m nervous about what is to come after graduation being that I will be officially entering the real world, however I feel as though I am prepared to take on any challenges brought my way. I have met some great people throughout my college journey,” said Carter.
The undergraduate commencement will be held at 10 a.m. on Dec. 6 in the Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center.
A live stream and overflow location will be set up for commencement in Rose E. McCoy Auditorium.
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