Nischal Timalsina (right), a junior computer science major from Lalitpur, Nepal, chats with Amir Raheem of International Paper during the Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology Day career fair at The Inn at Ole Miss. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
In conjunction with the fall 2019 Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology Day, the School of Engineering set up a new VIP program to recognize acts of career preparation – everything from attending a resume-building workshop to interview practice.
Over 50 people completed at least five of the tasks, earning the right to wear a VIP ribbon and attend an exclusive breakfast with employers before the doors opened to the career fair on Sept. 19.
“The networking breakfast was the perfect way to kick off the morning of the event,” said Megan Miller, career specialist in the School of Engineering, who spearheaded the career fair. “We see connecting students to employers as an essential educational step for our graduates.”
The fall career fair has been improving year by year. This year, the number of students participating in the event increased 25 percent; 554 students checked in, and employers held over 100 interviews.
“It was a great chance to make connections with future employers and begin thinking about life beyond college,” said Charli Kendricks of Oxford, a first-time participant. “I found several opportunities that I would be interested in, some of which I might never have heard about without the career fair.”
Students met 55 employers from industries as wide ranging as manufacturing, oil and gas, energy, construction, consulting, and research and development. They considered opportunities for co-ops or internships and permanent placement with Mississippi-based, national and international employers.
Employers left with stacks of resumes after more than four hours of career-based interactions using wall-to-wall space in the ballroom of The Inn at Ole Miss. They met students from all degree programs in the School of Engineering, as well as guest participants from partner, dual-degree programs at Belhaven University and Millsaps College.
“Every year, the students continue to impress,” said Joanna Harrelson (BSChE 13), territory sales manager for ExxonMobil. “I feel truly proud to be an alumnae and privileged to be a recruiter.”