Alcorn students attends The 1890 Foundation Career Development Conference in Atlanta

Twelve Alcorn State students from the School of Agriculture and Applied Science, accompanied by Dr. Barry Bequette, a professor for the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension, and Applied Sciences, and Alice Leach, a professor of human development and family science, attended the 1890 Universities Foundation Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, from February 28 to March 2.

The conference served as a networking and educational experience for all attendees.

“Students who attended the professional development conference interacted with USDA professionals in a professional setting. During the conference, students learned the requirements for federal employment, the availability of internships across the United States, and expectations from them for employment by the government,” said Bequette.

The students used the opportunity to broaden their knowledge to work to become the best version of themselves within their fields.

“I networked and made valuable connections. I gained knowledge on job readiness and federal resumes and learned about career development opportunities in the federal sector. I also heard from industry professionals about the importance of professionalism and how this would benefit us throughout our lives. I am a proud HBCU student who is very grateful for the opportunities. Thank you, Alcorn State University, for granting me this opportunity to venture out and grow more as a person with the help of my peers and department leaders,” said Senia King, one of the student attendees.

Attendees also networked professionally with peers and mentors from other historically black colleges and universities.

“Students were allowed to see how other students outside Alcorn presented themselves and represented their universities. The professional standards of the 1890 Foundation Career Development Conference pushed our students to bring out their best attitudes and behaviors while assimilating all the vital information they need to be successful products of the HBCU communities,” said Leach.

The conference included five workshops to teach students information that will be valuable as they progress through their careers.

“I left Atlanta feeling I could have a successful career. The resume workshop helped me the most and was very informative about writing my federal resume. Also, the one-minute interviews in front of the state conservationist were nerve-wracking because it was all new to me; however, I am grateful for the opportunity to attend and meet individuals from the USDA,” said Jasmine Jones, one of the student attendees.

Gratitude was expressed to Alcorn and the USDA for providing the opportunity for students to participate.

“I am so blessed by the path my HBCU has taken me, being able to branch out and network amongst other schools and make connections along the way. I am glad to be a part of the environment that grows from my school and everything it offers,” said Porche Brown, one of the student attendees.