Career Expo helps MC students, recent grads take next step in employment journey

Mississippi College students and recent alumni can get a jump on their future by attending MC Career Expo 2026, a professional networking event that lets them connect with employers and graduate programs.

Sponsored by the MC Office of Career Development, the Career Expo is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, in Anderson Hall in the B.C. Rogers Student Center. Current MC students and those who have graduated from MC within the last four years are eligible to participate. Professional attire is required.

The Expo helps Choctaws on the cusp of the job market or graduate school showcase their talents and seek out their next opportunity.

Alyssa Bazile, MC director of career development, said students may be surprised at the possibilities if they remain willing to explore during the Expo.

“The Career Expo provides the perfect starting point for students,” Bazile said. “The point is for them to have a conversation, be authentic, and share who they are and what they’re studying with potential employers. They should stop at an industry’s booth that they may not have researched and ask questions.

“Large companies have a variety of positions available. They need graphic designers. They need human resources professionals. They need interns looking for real-world experience. Their needs are more expansive than merely the products they are known to produce, and students could discover an opportunity just by asking questions.”

More than three dozen participating industries will be represented at the Career Expo, including education, finance and insurance, government, healthcare and social assistance, health insurance, hospitality and retail, information technology, manufacturing, real estate, restaurants and food service, wholesale and retail trade, and community and non-profits, including churches. In addition to employers and non-profit organizations, the Career Expo will feature representatives from graduate and professional programs.

Bazile said all MC students can benefit from attending the Career Expo.

“I encourage everyone to come, even if they’re freshmen,” she said. “There’s a wide array of opportunities available. Students may find opportunities to work throughout the school year, to gain experience through internships, or to make connections that will benefit them later in their job search.”

MC students like Allyson Moss say they have benefited from participating in events like the Career Expo. The senior accounting major from Glen Allen said she has been able to make professional connections and land interviews by attending Career Development events.

“It takes away the anxiety one might feel when looking for a job,” Moss said.

“Advertising yourself on the job market is very important, and this event is a great opportunity to get a jump start on broadening your horizons and networking.”

To help students prepare for the Expo, the Office of Career Development is hosting RISE Palooza! Career Week activities on the MC campus Feb. 9 through 13, including resume critiques and printing, professional headshot services and more.

An MC Education Fair is also scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 24. Students and recent graduates of MC’s Teacher 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 positions.

MC students and recent alumni can register to attend the RISE Palooza! Career Week activities, the Career Expo and the MC Education Fair on Handshake. For more information, click here.