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Alumni share their career experiences
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- For a group of Mississippi State University alumni, Sept. 26 was a day to give back something of themselves to their alma mater and the students following in their footsteps.
The 18 former MSU students came back to campus to share with current students what they have learned in the real world. The event was the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering's Alumni Career and Research Day, held in the auditorium of the Bost Extension Center.
One of the messages the group brought back is that there are a variety of opportunities open to graduates in agricultural and biological engineering. The speakers at the event related career experiences ranging from forest engineering to healthcare product development.
In addition to individual presentations, the speakers and 10 other alumni took part in agricultural, biomedical, environmental and physician career panel discussions.
Hubert O. Farrish, a 1972 graduate, talked about his career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He currently serves as deputy administrator for USDA's Farm Service Agency in Washington, D.C.
"This is a great opportunity to give something to the students," he said, adding that the event also was a chance to inform students about career possibilities. "USDA is extremely interested in recruiting well qualified graduates to fill positions that will be coming open because of retirements and other factors."
For the more than 125 students who attended, the event provided insight about what to expect when they graduate and a time to get to know some of the individuals who preceded them at MSU.
"It's encouraging that these people are willing to take the time to come back to campus and share with us," said Amanda Smith, a senior biological engineering major from Russellville, Ark.
Alumni Career and Research Day began in 2001 and is held every two years, according to Jerry Gilbert, head of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. The program is based on a recommendation of the department's alumni advisory committee.
"The committee suggested that this would help connect the alumni with the current students and in turn allow the students to 'look into the future' by seeing former students in positions of importance," he said. "The report from the alumni and students back to the committee is: mission accomplished."
Contact: Dr. Jerome Gilbert, (662) 325-3282
