Career Days help MC students engage with potential employers, grad school representatives

The Office of Career Development will host several activities to help students prepare for future job interviews.

Mississippi College students looking to get a head start on entering the professional workforce or applying to a graduate program can gain valuable experience by participating in the MC Office of Career Development-sponsored “Career Days” this spring on the Clinton campus.

Career Days help Choctaws on the cusp of the job market present themselves professionally and showcase their skills during employer or advanced education interviews.

Scheduled MC Career Days include:

* An MC Education Fair 2025 from noon to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6, in Alumni Hall. Students and recent graduates of MC’s Teachers Education and Leadership Department and students and alumni interested in working with youth can meet representatives of K-12 school districts, nonprofits and other organizations looking to fill full-time, part-time and volunteer positions.

* A Career Expo scheduled from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, in Anderson Hall in the B.C. Rogers Student Center. MC students of all majors can meet potential employers from a variety of industries.

* A Healthcare Fair scheduled from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, in Alumni Hall. MC students can meet potential employers in the healthcare field.

“The career fairs allow students a chance to engage with employers and institutions and learn what avenues they can explore,” said Alyssa Bazile, MC director of career development. “Networking provides students with the skills they need to communicate professionally and learn why having a personal brand is important.

“It is imperative that students and alumni understand that first impressions matter and that attending the fairs is a first step to making connections that can change the trajectory of their current and future opportunities.”

She said students who are not currently in the market for employment can benefit from attending Career Days events.

“It is perfectly acceptable to inquire about ‘shadowing’ opportunities or to ask questions about a certain industry from a professional,” Bazile said. “Experience does not build itself; students must be proactive. Moreover, Career Days provide community and are a fun way for students to gather and support one another as they work towards a common goal.”

Potential employers attending Career Days events are seeking full- or part-time employees, paid and unpaid interns, volunteers, trainees and mentees. Representatives from various graduate schools are looking to recruit students to their institutions.

The Office of Career Development will host several activities throughout the semester to help students prepare for the on-campus fairs and their future job interviews.

* On Thursday, Jan. 30, the office will host a Resume Review, where students can receive a professional critique and valuable tips to boost their CVs.

* The JCPenney department store in Flowood will offer discounts of up to 45 percent on select business attire for the MC family from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2. During the “Suit-up JCPenney event,” the store will also give away a $100 JCPenney gift card.

* On Tuesday, Feb. 4, representatives from Enterprise and the Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company will present a “LinkedIn, Job Search and Ask a Recruiter” segment at 3 p.m. in Swor Auditorium in Nelson Hall.

* On Thursday, Feb. 13, students can have their resumes and LinkedIn profiles critiqued by professionals at “Resume Critiques.”

* On Tuesday, Feb. 17, a pickleball tournament will help students destress before meeting employer and grad school representatives.

* And on Feb. 20, Career Development will be providing free professional headshots for students.

For more information about Career Days, call the Office of Career Development at 601.925.3901.