Alcorn State University hosted its Spring 2025 Internship and Pre-Professional Fair on Thursday, April 3, 2025, drawing significant interest from both students and a wide array of employers and graduate institutions. The event, held at the Dr. Rudolph E. Waters Classroom Building, facilitated crucial connections aimed at advancing the career prospects of Alcorn students.
Over 40 companies and nine graduate schools representing various industries and academic disciplines participated in the fair. Notable employers included Cargill, Entergy, Renasant Bank, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Top-tier graduate programs such as William Carey University, University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, and Xavier University College of Pharmacy were also present. Industries represented spanned healthcare and pharmaceutical, finance and business, law and public safety, education, and engineering and manufacturing.
Michael Harper, director of Career Services and Pre-Professional Programs, emphasized the fair’s importance. “The primary goal of the Career Fair is to create meaningful connections between students, employers, and graduate schools to enhance career opportunities for Alcorn State University students,” Harper said. “This event plays a vital role in career development by exposing students to job and internship opportunities and graduate and professional school programs. Our students continue to impress employers with their professionalism and preparedness, making them strong candidates for future opportunities.”
Harper also highlighted the positive feedback received. “One of the key takeaways from the event was the enthusiasm and engagement from students. Many left the fair excited about potential jobs and internships, reinforcing the importance of these networking opportunities,” he noted. “Employers also expressed their appreciation for the high level of preparedness displayed by our students, which is a testament to the effectiveness of our career readiness initiatives.”
Student interest was particularly strong in opportunities within education, healthcare, business, and law enforcement. A total of 382 students registered and attended the fair, engaging in conversations about internships, full-time jobs, and advanced degree options.
“This year’s fair featured over 40 companies and nine graduate schools,” Harper added. “We observed many students having meaningful conversations with employers and graduate school representatives.”
Avantavis T Carter, a junior elementary education major and the 68th SGA president-elect from Hazlehurst, Miss., found the fair particularly beneficial. “What motivated me to attend the Spring 2025 Internship & Pre-Professional Fair was the chance to connect with companies and organizations that could play a key role in my future career,” Carter said. “Events like this create a valuable space for us as students to network, share our interests, and learn about opportunities that align with our goals. As an elementary education major, I was especially excited to engage with various school districts and hear about the unique programs and benefits they offer to future educators.”
The opportunity to connect with professionals and explore career paths was the most valuable aspect of the fair, according to Carter. “The most valuable aspect of attending the fair for me was the opportunity to connect with professionals and organizations that align with my career goals. It gave me a better understanding of the different pathways I can take after graduation and allowed me to ask meaningful questions about internships, job opportunities, and career development. I also appreciated the chance to network and practice presenting myself in a professional setting.”
Carter strongly encourages other students to attend similar events. “Yes, I would definitely recommend this type of event to other Alcorn State University students,” he said. “It’s a great way to explore career options, make connections, and gain insight into what employers are looking for. Whether you’re looking for a job, internship, or just want to learn more about your field, attending a fair like this can open a lot of doors and help you feel more prepared for life after college.”
Employer feedback was overwhelmingly positive. “Many employers commented on the high level of preparedness that our students displayed and commented positively on their professionalism and ability to engage,” Harper said. “This is very important because it demonstrates the effectiveness of today’s Career Expo.”
Always ready to support students, Harper emphasized the ongoing commitment to enhancing the Career Fairs, stating, “Each year, we strive to expand and improve our Career Fairs, ensuring that students continue to have access to premier job and academic opportunities. Our relationships with employers and graduate programs remain critical in attracting high-quality organizations to this region, and we look forward to building on this momentum for our future events.”
