2nd annual Career Development Mixer Held
How to interview, business etiquette and racism in the workplace — were topics shared with students during the 2nd annual Student Career Development Mixer, February 23, 2017. The event, sponsored by the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, gave Alcorn students the opportunity to hear from several prominent guest speakers.
Students were able to receive first-hand knowledge about career and professional opportunities as well as professional skills needed in the workplace.
Presenters were Bryan Singleton, special agent, Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans, Louisiana; Eric Howard, game warden VI/recruiter, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Austin, Texas; Allison Johnson, United States Department of Agriculture 1980 program liaison, Southern University A & M College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Esmerelda Dickson, Mississippi state statistician, USDA/National Agriculture Statistics Service, and Clarence Finley, assistant state conservationist, USDA/Natural Resource Conservation Service, both of Jackson, Mississippi.
“I hope students gained valuable knowledge that they can use in future careers and learn how to network, communicate, and excel in their careers,” expressed Michael Trusclair, Alcorn State University USDA 1980 program liaison and event coordinator. “I, also, want students to learn how to work through barriers and racism.
Panelists shared their work experiences and answered questions pertaining to their professions. Topics focused on interviewing tips, workplace manners and racism in the workplace.
“There is something in you that’s unique and profound that’s waiting to come out. Use it and it will distinguish you among your peers,” Finley said.
leshakeyana Jackson, senior, agriculture science major, overwhelmed by the event later stated to Trusclair, “I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the mixer! I enjoyed the wonderful group of panelists. They gave beautiful words of encouragement and I will keep note of everything that they said. I thank you for providing things like this for us. Although some students may not appreciate it now, I most certainly do. I really wish you came along my freshmen year. I believe I would have had more opportunities. Thanks for everything that you do for us.”
In addition to the panelists, during opening remarks, students were welcomed by Dr. Gregory Reed, extension administrator, and Dr. Gwendolyn Gordon, director, Alumni and Staff Development. Other program participants included Pharrah Butler, freshman, agribusiness major, who highlighted African-American scientists in recognition of Black History Month, and Tresel Benjamin, junior, plant and soil science major, who offered words of encouragement.
Also, Desiree Orange, environmental science, and KeAndrea Brown, agribusiness management, both juniors, shared their student intern experiences, and Dr. Wandra Arrington, assistant director, Office of Pre-Professional and Honors Curriculum Programs, shared her career experiences. Shea Davis-Gray, administrative assistant, presided over the event.
For more details on future career development events, contact Michael Trusclair at (202) 596-0478 or [email protected].