Jamiyah Elliott
Staff Writer
Over 50 companies presented Jackson State University students with post-secondary career opportunities during the Career Services Center (CSC) annual Spring Career Fair on Feb. 27.
The fair at the Walter Payton Center was incredibly impactful for HBCU students because of the ongoing issue of companies cutting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs (DEI).
Despite these actions, the employers attending the career fair emphasized a strong commitment to diversity and a family-oriented work environment, reassuring JSU students that they can still be successful in underrepresented fields.
Many companies were represented by Jackson State alumni, who had influential roles in their prospective companies, highlighting the University’s legacy of producing outstanding leaders.
Several businesses spoke very well of their JSU employees, emphasizing their work ethic and ability to excel quickly.
Kimley-Horn represented a multi-disciplinary civil engineering design and consulting firm actively looking for an intern and full-time analyst to work at any of their 125-plus locations.
“Our vision is to create a space where all of our employees can flourish, but this was already established from day one in 1967,” said JSU Alumnus Albert Griffin, the DEI Specialist. “At Kimley-Horn, we provide stock ownership, consultant training, and opportunities to build our companies from the ground up within engineering, design, and planning.”
Griffin was one of the many JSU graduates at the event, paving the way for more future Tigers to invest in themselves and their future businesses.
Human Resources Coordinator Courtney Bell, a JSU Alum, represented BankPlus, a regional bank and financial institution across the street from the JSU main campus.
“We are BankPlus Team of One, the power of one, and we believe in community. At our branch, we provide mock interviews, event support, and a quiet place for preparation and homework,” said Bell.
Bell described BankPlus’ campus engagement with students and why she joined the company.
“BankPlus was a face on campus (at JSU), and seeing them cheering on the Tigers at every event inspired me to join,” said Bell.
Art Dobbs, Director of Work Force Development at Tupelo Public School District, shared a success story about recruiting a JSU student.
“Every year, I come in the fall and the spring, and we have had some of our best teachers from Jackson State University, so we come back every year. She is one of the biggest Jackson State fans I have ever seen. I consider her one of my best friends. Her name is Dr. Tanisha Smith,” said Dobbs. “We were first assistant principals at Tupelo High School together. Now she is the Director of Innovative and Alternative Programs at Tupelo Public School District. She does and did a phenomenal job.”
Many of the students who attended the event were excited to find opportunities and came dressed to impress.
Dallas Thomas, a senior graphic design major from Chicago, Ill., was seeking a connection with companies that needed graphic designers.
“Hopefully, I will get an opportunity to spread my designs,” said Thomas.
Omarion Williams, a senior engineering major from Chicago, Ill., had his eyes set on one company.
“I browsed around the room and talked to other companies, but Cooperative Energy is the company I would like to work with,” said Williams.
For more information about the JSU Career Services Center, visit their office in the Reddix Building on the first floor or call 601-979-2477.
