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Career and finance event prepares TSU students for post-college

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Career development, financial literacy, and personal growth were the focus of the “Secure the Bag” tour recently held at Tennessee State University. Hosted by the TSU Career Development Center in collaboration with HBCU Heroes, the event featured panelists who engaged with students on financial awareness and their next steps after college.

Jeff Brown, the director of the Career Development Center

The event unfolded in three segments. The first segment featured discussions on entrepreneurship, business strategy, and launching, while the second focused on career preparation and generational wealth. The third segment comprised a financial health workshop, specifically addressing credit and debt management for college students. A portion of the event also centered around NIL and sports industry careers, featuring insights from TSU’s head football Coach Eddie George and former NBA player George Lynch.

Jalen Mask, a biology student from Memphis, highlighted the theme of “knowing your why” and the importance of financial awareness. “TSU is an HBCU that is underfunded,” Mask said. “Being that we live in a marginalized community, it is important to have events like this to understand finances because it does affect everything.”

Quentesha White, a junior studying criminal justice from Alabama, appreciated the guidance provided, especially as upperclassmen prepare to step into the real world. She found inspiration in the panelists’ journeys toward success.

Lawson Wright

“Hearing their (panelists’) backstories and the backgrounds of entrepreneurs ourselves is very inspiring and motivating for me,” White said. “I know when I was listening to what they did and the history of how they became who they are today, it pushed me a little more and gave me more motivation.”

Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean Frank Stevenson, kicked off the event, emphasizing the importance of grasping knowledge and hands-on opportunities.

“We are so excited that you all are here sharing information and pouring it into our students,” Stevenson said to the panelists. “I am excited about the collaboration, highlighting the significance of financial literacy, especially within the HBCU community.”

Jeff Brown, the director of the Career Development Center, said the center’s mission is to provide connections and opportunities to help students realize their purpose and future dreams. “The goal of the Career Development Center is to provide connections and opportunities to help each student realize their purpose and the future of their dreams,” Brown said. “We want them to be strong as students and grow as students, but also think about professional development as they approach graduation. But then also be clear about what financial empowerment looks like.”

Hosted by the TSU Career Development Center in collaboration with HBCU Heroes, the event featured panelists who engaged with students on financial awareness and their next steps after college. Panelist for the first segment of the event from left to right: Alex Sanders, Delfine Fox, Harold Simpson, Derrick J. Hill (on screen) moderated by “CDK On the Mic.”

Lawson Wright, a sophomore studying computer sciences, attended the event to enhance his networking and interpersonal skills. “Progress is progress,” Wright said. “My objective is to get better every day, and that event did just that.”

The collaboration with HBCU Heroes, co-founded by Tracey Penywell, brought in panelists and sponsoring companies. This also included business strategists, entrepreneurs, Chief Technology Officers, and representatives from JP Morgan Chase and Amazon, among others.

Angela Davis, the Career Development Center associate director, said the event was essential as TSU students are graduating and earning entry-level salaries larger than ever before and will need guidance on responsible financial management.

“They’re able to give students an inside look, and also coming from an HBCU perspective, they understand some of the things that our students go through in making the transition from college into the workplace,” Davis said about the panelists connecting with the students. “I think it’s of great benefit that they’re able to share their experiences and some do’s and don’ts and different expectations that our students may not be aware of.”

Kimya Savage applauds during the “Secure The Bag” event as panelists share invaluable insights and resources, empowering attendees with knowledge for achieving financial stability.

Davis added that she believed the event offered valuable insights, connections, and inspiration for TSU students. The goal of the HBCU Heroes Tour was to share real-life experiences with students in preparation for the next steps following graduation and their professional journeys. To learn more about the Career Development Center resources, visit  https://www.tnstate.edu/careers/

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New TSU academic affairs unit to promote student career pathways, university partnerships  

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – This month marks a fresh start for thousands at TSU, embarking on an exciting chapter as college students. Not only for first-year students but also as the university welcomes new departments this semester. This year’s move-in incorporated a collaborative effort between the newly formed unit in Academic Affairs, Academic Career Pathways and Partnerships (ACPP), Residence Life, and several Employer Partners.

TSU and Fifth Third Bank representatives during Fall move in.

With these efforts, the collaboration welcomed nearly 1,000 first-year students over the course of three days, fed 300 community volunteers during move-in, and received a $10K donation from Enterprise Holdings.

Antoinette Duke, Director of Academic Career Pathways and Partnerships, said this collaboration showcased the commitment of multiple departments and employer partners to TSU’s motto: Think. Work. Serve. “Our units exemplify a shared vision to prepare TSU students for success in the professional world,” Duke said. She noted that the Enterprise Holdings donation would be divided equally between ACPP and the Career Development Center (CDC).

“ACPP and the CDC are set to collaborate closely, leveraging their combined expertise to help incoming freshman students identify their interests, skills, and work values,” Duke said.

Kroger representatives passed out waters and snacks to volunteers during fall move in.

Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Robbie Melton, who spearheaded the new unit under academic affairs, said the ACPP would provide comprehensive support and guidance to college students and their career journeys. “The office facilitates the seamless transition between academic programs and career pathways, ensuring students make informed decisions and acquire the necessary skills and experiences for their chosen professions,” Melton said.

The donated check was presented amid move-in with hundreds of volunteers from TSU Faculty and Staff, Student Activities, Student Affairs, and employer partners. The volunteers were all provided with lunch and refreshments every day of move-in.

Employer partners include Enterprise, Bank of America, Fifth Third, Dollar General, Altria, Cintas, Oracle, Kroger, RICH, and the university’s R.O.T.C. unit, all played a pivotal role in demonstrating their dedication to the university’s essence, according to Duke.

The ACPP looks forward to the career and professional development and exploration of the students as the university aims to ensure a journey tailored to their passion and aspirations.

In the new unit, Duke is working under the leadership of the assistant vice president of academic affairs, Dr. Johnnie Smith. Representatives from the CDC and residence life during the move-in event also included the newly appointed Director of the Career Development Center, Jeffrey Brown, the new Executive Director of Residence Life, Yolanda Parr, and the Associate Director of housing, Julius Proctor.

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Promise of new jobs, Oprah Winfrey perfect ending for TSU’s spring graduates

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – When Darius Boyd dons his cap and gown at TSU’s spring commencement on Saturday, he will receive his bachelor’s degree in business information systems with an extra level of hope and satisfaction. That’s because Boyd will hear inspiring words from TSU’s most famous alumnus, Oprah Winfrey, and have a job waiting on him once he crosses the stage. His early employment is also an indication of the bright jobs market many experts predict for 2023 college graduates. 

Darius Boyd is expected to receive a starting salary of about $90,000 as a business analyst at Bank of America.

“I am very excited to have a job waiting for me right out of college,” says Boyd, who has been hired as a business analyst in the technology department at Bank of America. “I am excited and blessed to have the opportunity to have the skill set to work at a company such as Band of America, and to have Ms. Oprah Winfrey as my commencement speaker to end my college career at TSU is mind-blowing.”  

Boyd is not alone with a job waiting and excitement as he awaits the ceremony. He is one of six yet to receive their degrees out of the spring graduating class who have already been hired by BOA in high-paying positions, with salaries ranging from $75,000-$95,000 and a guaranteed $10,000 signing bonus each. But that’s not all. Many others from the class of 2023, from internships, co-ops to fulltime employment, have jobs lined up. 

Jackson Tyler Houston received his job offer as a consultant at CGI at the end of his internship.

Jackson Tyler Houston, of Brentwood, Tennessee, who will receive his bachelor’s degree in computer science, has a job offer waiting for him at CGI (Consultants in Management and Information Technology), one of the largest IT and business consulting firms in the world. He’s being hired as a consultant. 

“It is fantastic leaving college with a send-off from the one and only Oprah Winfrey and having a job lined,” says Houston.  “I can’t wait to hear her messages, but to have a job already was a huge relief off my shoulders going into my final semester and not have to worry about finding an employment.” 

Houston, who interned with CGI up to his senior year of college, received an offer after he finished the program and credits TSU for the early employment. 

Angela Davis, Assistant Director of the Career Development Center, says the center uses different platforms to connect students with employers. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“I must thank TSU and my professors who gave me the opportunity to pursue the job in the first place,” he says.

While many analysts see a booming jobs market for 2023 college graduates, at TSU, students credit their success to rigorous classroom and field training, passionate professors, and a Career Development Center that is focused on preparing and exposing students to available opportunities. 

Angela Davis, assistant director of the CDC, says in addition to career fairs, training and other events, the department utilizes different job search platforms such as Handshake to connect employers with students. 

“We cover topics such as resume preparation, creating a brand, preparing for the interview, soft skills in the workplace, how to navigate a career fair, as well as opportunities that are available within those companies,” says Davis.  

Jada Carter, who is receiving her degree in accounting, will work with Bank of America as an enterprise risk credit analyst.

“We also hold Table-Top sessions throughout the semester.  Each event provides students the opportunity to engage with employers for employment opportunities.” 

Overall, TSU students graduating this year are in a good mix when it comes to hiring. A study published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows that employers are looking to hire more 2023 graduates than in 2022. Another NAEC survey released just recently, shows that undergraduates are receiving an average of 1.14 job offers before graduation. 

“This has been a long four years, but with a very exciting ending,” says Jada Carter, also eluding Winfrey and secured employment.

“I am ready to get out in the world and represent TSU because they have done a lot for me,” adds Carter. The Milwaukee native is also going to work for BOA as an enterprise risk credit analyst. 

“The Career Development Center has been very helpful. I have worked very closely with them in the last four years. This helped me to build professional relationships with recruiters and business partners. I’m leaving TSU on the right track, with a job and the best commencement speaker you could hope for, and a fellow TSU graduate.” 

Carter, and Boyd of Memphis, Tennessee, will be assigned at the BOA headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. They will be among more than 800 undergraduate and graduate students who will receive degrees at the 2023 spring commencement. 

Spring 2023 commencement 

Tennessee State University alumna Oprah Winfrey is coming home to headline TSU’s Spring Commencement as the keynote speaker for the undergraduate Commencement on Saturday, May 6 at 8 a.m. CDT, in Hale Stadium. Due to demand, security and safety protocols, this is a ticketed event. The undergraduate ceremony will be moved to the Gentry Center Complex in case of rain. United States Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, Miss-Second District, will address graduate students at an indoor ceremony on Friday, May 5 at 5 p.m. CDT, in the Gentry Center. Both commencement ceremonies will be live streamed from the TSU YouTube Channel, www.tnstate.edu/livestream. 


For more information on TSU 2023 Spring Commencement and full bios on Ms. Winfrey and Congressman Thompson, visit www.tnstate.edu/commencement.

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TSU career fair success for students 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University students were dressed for success for the 2023 Spring Career Fair, hoping to secure employment after graduation. Approximately 750 TSU students attended the event with nearly 200 employers. Students met with potential employers and left with more knowledge about internships and job market opportunities.

Jea’Lon Davis, a senior from Jackson, Mississippi, who is studying health sciences, said he enjoyed speaking with the wide variety of employers, with hopes of career opportunities this Fall post-graduation. “This is a good thing for our students to explore what opportunities are out there,” Davis said. “You never know who you will bump into at these career fairs. This is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

TSU senior Jea’Lon Davis speaks with a potential employer from Texas, Coordinator of Recruitment & Retention Dr. Kishawna Wiggins, during the 2023 Spring Career Fair. (Photo by John Cooper)

Davis spoke with employers who notified him about summer internships to apply for as he looks forward to becoming a sports nutritionist.

The fair included representatives from government agencies, aerospace, banking, engineering, healthcare, and several other industries.

“We had a good turnout of employers who were actively seeking to hire our students for internships and full-time employment,” said Angela Davis, the Assistant Director of the Career Development Center.

“We hope that students received  opportunities on the spot, as they did last year. We also hope that our freshman that attended had the experience of networking and interviewing with employers in preparation for their sophomore year,” she added.

The students took advantage of meeting employers who set up tables and displays in the Gentry Center Complex to network and showcase career and employment opportunities.

TSU freshman Paradise Jenkins speaks with employers during the 2023 career fair (Photo by John Cooper)

While seniors were there for current career development, freshman like Paradise Jenkins and Emmanuel Coleman stopped by to practice networking skills and gain exposure. “I came because I wanted to see what experience and opportunities I would be able to have in the near future,” Jenkins said, who is a Dallas native studying criminal justice.

Coleman, a business administration major from Detroit, said the career fair can broaden student’s horizons. “It’s important for freshmen to see the opportunities that they can come across even as a first-year student. Even if you don’t get an internship, these companies still see and hear you.”

TSU freshman Emmanuel Coleman says its important for students to see the opportunities available at the career fairs even as first-year students. (Photo by John Cooper)

Bank of America (BOA) was one of several returning employers for the career fair. BOA recently contributed $1 million to the University as part of an initiative to help students finish college and find employment in a competitive workforce.


Dontia Brown, the Vice President of Diversity and Campus Strategy Recruiting for BOA, said it was great to return to TSU after hiring students last Fall on the spot.

“We met with a lot of them during the Fall career fair then hired them into full-time programs,” Brown said, noting that the company had more full-time hires than interns last semester. This time, Brown said she met many freshmen who were eager to work.

“Meeting a lot of freshmen has been great, they have been super engaged early on. We have opportunities that are open for students going into their sophomore year, so this is the perfect time for them to learn about what BOA has to offer.”

Dontia Brown, the Vice President of Diversity and Campus Strategy Recruiting for Bank of America, speaks with a TSU student about internship and job opportunity. (Photo by John Cooper)

TSU graduate Iyana Clemente was excited to see familiar faces at her alma mater in her role as an employer. Clemente received a degree in aeronautical and industrial technology in 2021 and works for the Federal Aviation Administration. “Giving back to HBCUs is extremely important,” Clemente said. “Being able to see students that I was on campus with, being able to give back to them is a great opportunity for me.” 

If you are a prospective employer or TSU student looking for more information about the TSU Career Services Department, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/careers/ .

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TSU recognizes First-Generation college students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Making the decision to leave home and attend college isn’t an easy one to make, especially if you’re the first in your family. Currently, Tennessee State University has approximately 1,700 first-generation college students enrolled, including 1,000 freshmen. TSU recently recognized these students during a special program that featured a panel discussion and gift giveaways.

The event consisted of first-generation panelists pouring into current students with relatable stories of their journey and breaking down the barriers that were challenging to them. 

Tennessee State University has approximately 1,700 first-generation college students enrolled. (Photo by Aaron Grayson).

My’asia Earsery, a freshman studying psychology, said the event reassured her that she isn’t going through the challenges of college alone. “To hear what got everyone else though (college) made me feel comfortable about my journey,” Earsery said. “It felt very genuine. “The panelists made me proud to go to an HBCU. It was a panel full of people who looked like me,” she said.

Panelists included TSU alum Delvakio Brown, a Hospitality and Tourism Professional, Mario Eberhart, a TSU senior who is a Private Chef and entrepreneur, TSU Career Services Coordinator Sabrina Johnson, and TSU alum Tequila Johnson, co-founder of the Equity Alliance. 

During the event there was a Q &A discussion about navigating college, pushing though hardships, sacrifices, long-term goals, self-exploration, and individuality.

Panelists at the First-Generation college student event spoke about college hardships and self-exploration. From left to right: Tequila Johnson, Delvakio Brown, Mario Eberhart and Sabrina Johnson.  (Photo by Aaron Grayson).

“As a first-generation college student, you are probably the biggest resource that you have,” Tequila Johnson said. “What am I good at? What are my strengths and my weakness? Who am I, and who do I want to become?” Are questions that Johnson asked the students.

Sabrina Johnson told the students that the sky is the limit. “Always remember that you want to be the change you want to see,” she added.

Eberhart, who was the only current student on the panel, told the students that the journey will come with obstacles such as, “having to navigate myself financially through college … while remaining optimistic.”

While Brown reminded the students that those mistakes are a part of the learning process.

My’asia Earsery,, a TSU freshman, said the event and panelists made her proud to attend Tennessee State University as a first-generation college student. (Photo by Aaron Grayson).

“When you mess up, don’t stay stuck,” Brown said. “There will not always be a template to go by … it’s okay to not be perfect.” As the event came to an end, the students received gift bags and recited a student pledge to success.

Kyran Owens, a freshman studying biology, said he was glad he attended the event.

“It was very helpful,” Owens said.

“Be the change that you want to be,” was the quote that resonated with him most. While Caitlyn Wooten, a freshman majoring in cardiorespiratory, said she was reminded to never give up on her dreams. “I gained independence and learned different strategies on how to go about college,” Wooten said. “It was something to take in and remember throughout my journey.”

The event was presented by the TSU You First Project, in collaboration with the career development center.

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TSU 2022 Fall Career Fair largest turn out in university history with over 1,000 students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Over 1,000 TSU students will be better prepared for internships and the job market following the university’s Fall Career Fair. The students took advantage of meeting over 240 potential employers at the fair that included representatives from government agencies, aerospace, banking, engineering, healthcare, and several other industries. The employers set up tables and displays in the Gentry Center Complex to network with students about career and employment opportunities. 

Companies representing the automotive, engineering, aerospace, banking and healthcare industries attend the 2022 Fall Career fair. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“This is amazing,” Antoinette Duke, Director of the Career Development Center said during the event. “This is the largest career fair that we’ve had.” In preparation of the fair, the university held career readiness sessions at each housing location, on and off campus. The hands-on training sessions were led by executives and representatives of major companies such as Atria, PepsiCo, and Procter and Gamble. 

President Glenda Glover made an announcement mid-event stating how proud she was to see students seeking employment and thanked all the company representatives for coming. “We appreciate the support … thank you to our sponsors for being here,” Glover said.

Whitney Hawkins, a freshman health science major from Chicago, Illinois speaks with represnentives for Overhead Door Company. (Photo by: Aaron Grayson)

“And to the students, I look forward to you all being employees for the companies present, in the near future.”

Whitney Hawkins, a freshman health science major from Chicago, Illinois, said she was excited to see how many companies poured into her HBCU with internship and employment opportunities.

“I am open to learn about all these amazing companies,” Hawkins said during the event. “I am grateful that the school had this opportunity for us. They (employers) were really open and conversational.” While Hawkins was searching for internship opportunities to one day become a physician assistant, Reginald Cooper Jr., a rising senior from Memphis, was on a job hunt for opportunities related to health sciences.

Reginald Cooper Jr., a rising senior from Memphis, spoke with several employers as he seeks interest in a career related to health sciences. (Photo by: Aaron Grayson)

“It was very informative speaking with Fifth Third Bank, as it has been at all the booths,” Cooper said.

“It’s great to see how many booths have come back from the previous years to show that they have an interest in TSU students.” Cooper appreciated how all the employees at each booth was approachable, greeting him with a smile. “I found a lot of opportunities and I’m excited that I see a lot of TSU students here.”

Xenea Ford, a TSU graduate who attended the fair to represent her company, said it was a full circle moment to see how impactful the event was for her and current students. Ford is a 2017 graduate who is an Internal Account Manager for Jackson National Life Insurance Company.

TSU alum Xenea Ford, an Internal Account Manager for Jackson National Life Insurance Company, said her company is offering job and internship opportunities. (Photo by: Aaron Grayson)

“I actually found out about my company at a career fair at TSU in Kean (Hall),” Ford said.

“It feels really nostalgic and amazing to be able to be here. We are looking for diverse talent and I love that we are looking here at TSU. Harold Guy, another TSU alum who is an Account Executive for Enterprise fleet management, couldn’t agree more.

“I have been smiling from ear to ear since I have been here,” Guy laughed during the event. “I am excited to see the students dressing the part and coming in with their resumes.”

Employers said they were impressed about the students’ level of preparation and career readiness. (Photo by: Aaron Grayson)

Like many students, one of those rising seniors who had their resume on hand was Adrien Calvert who is studying Mass Communications.

“This is something to appreciate,” Calvert said noting that many companies told him there is a seat at the table for a communications major.

“We are about to get into the real world.” 

For more information about the TSU Career Services Department, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/careers/ .

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TSU brings career readiness training to students at off-campus housing as fall job fair nears 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is taking career readiness training to students where they are. Ahead of the university’s upcoming fall career fair on Friday Sept. 23, TSU’s Career Development Center held training sessions at each housing location, on and off campus.

The hands-on training sessions were led by executives and representatives of major companies such as Atria, PepsiCo, and Procter and Gamble. 

TSU student speaks with University employee regarding upcoming fall career fair on Friday Sept. 23, (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Honing interviewing skills, writing resumes that catch attention, “sharpening your 30-second elevator talk,” and confidence building, were among talking points and tips the students received. 


“The training was extremely beneficial, well organized, and very informative,” said Makayla Bracey, after a workshop with other students in their off-campus housing at the Red Roof Inn. Bracey is a junior respiratory care major from Charlotte, North Carolina.

“What really stood out for me was the elevator interview, when you have only 30 seconds to make an impression, and interviewing technique on what values you can bring to a company.” 

Ivana Green, a sophomore physical therapy major from Chicago, said the workshop was very timely, as she is looking forward to making “a very good impression” at the career fair this week.

“I really enjoyed the workshop, and especially bringing it to us in our hotel,” said Green who resides in La Quinta Inn. “Ms. Sabrina Johnson (CDC coordinator) gave us a lot of information that will be valuable to me when I apply for jobs. In the few minutes that she was with us, she taught us how to be confident and how to present ourselves well.” 

The Fall Career Fair, which kicks off at 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., in the Gentry Center Complex, is expected to feature nearly 500 companies that will set up tents and displays, with some receiving and reviewing resumes on the spot, according to organizers.

Nearly 250 students have signed up for the fair.

Antoinette Duke, director of the Career Development Center, said the training in the students’ living areas was an opportunity to ensure that students living off-campus get the opportunity to have the same programming as those on campus. 

“I think we have a responsibility to meet students where they are,” Duke said. “So, one of the things we wanted to do as far as career readiness and career prep, was to connect with university partners and bring them to the hotels, which is where our students are. The employers understand what we are looking for this week is to help our students become career ready. We connected with our partners, we shared with them that we want our students to be prepared.” 

Representatives from PepsiCo speaks with TSU students about career readiness during a gathering at the La Quinta Inn. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Lynoral Lee, manager of the Atria Paper Can Plant in Clarksville, Tennessee, spoke to students at the Ramada Inn. Her company, which has hired many TSU graduates in the past, is a major sponsor of the career fair. She said her goal is to help students understand the opportunities out there and what companies are looking for, and to prepare them for those opportunities.  

“How to present themselves, how to be prepared, what to say, how to dress, that’s what I want to get across to them,” Lee said. “At the end of the day, the message I want to leave with the students is, ‘You are building your career and your future. Always be prepared because there are lots of opportunities out there. You may not think so, but there are many opportunities out there for all of us.’” 

Darius Boyd, a business information systems major, who resides in the Ramada, said the Atria manager’s presentation was very helpful. 

“It is very comforting that that these companies are coming here and teaching us how to network and getting us to the people who will actually help us get into those companies,” said Boyd, a senior from Memphis, Tennessee, whose ultimate goal is to become a chief information officer. “Actually, just helping us and giving us different tips and tricks to preparing for what employers are looking for really helps us to know what to put on our resumes.” 

For more information on the TSU Career Development Center, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/careers/

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TSU 2021 career fair offers job, internship opportunities as more than 140 companies attend

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Services) – Hundreds of Tennessee State University students looking for internships, full-time employment or co-op opportunities recently had plenty of selections at the university’s first in-person career fair since the pandemic.  

TSU senior business majors Katana Darby, right, and Khasia Perry talk to Isabella Lowrey, Human Resource Representative with Cintas, a business services company. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

More than 140 companies and potential employers converged on the main campus for the 2021 Fall Career Fair on Sept. 17. Representatives from government agencies, aerospace, banking, engineering, healthcare, and the entertainment industries set up tents, tables, and displays in the Gentry Center Complex to network with students about career and employment opportunities. 

Organizers said nearly 700 students attended the all-day fair. 

Katana Darby, a senior business administration major; and Shaun Wimberly, a second-year agribusiness major, were among the first students at the fair. They were both looking for internships. But Darby, who graduates in May, was also looking for a full-time employment opportunity. She thought her chances were good. 

Companies representing the automotive, engineering, aerospace, banking and healthcare industries attend the career fair. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“Employers have been really good, informative and responsive to my questions,” said the Chicago native, who talked with representatives from Cintas, a Cincinnati-based business services company. She is looking for a position in human resources or any related field.  

“I came to the career fair looking for open opportunities – internships, full-time and part-time positions – and things look very good,” Darby said. 

For Wimberly, of Louisville, Kentucky, who was also looking for opportunities in human relations, or any area that can utilize his agribusiness background, meeting employers in person was particularly appealing. 

Shaun Wimberly, an agribusiness major, right, talks to a company representative for an internship opportunity. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“I am excited to be able to meet people face-to-face at my very first career fair at TSU,” he said. “I was able to make connections with employers to discuss how I can best contribute to their organizations.” 

Wimberly and Darby may just be in luck.  

Danita J. Jones, a 1991 TSU graduate and recruiter and business management specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said she came to the career fair with a job announcement for “someone who is hardworking with good communication skills.” 

TSU alum Danita J. Jones, left, Business Management Specialist with the Army Corps of Engineers, says she came to the fair with a job announcement. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“I am looking for students in business administration, business management, human resources – someone to manage our district training program,” said Jones, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from TSU and started with the Army Corps of Engineers as a student aid. 

Overall, employers said TSU students – in dark business suits and black shoes – came prepared, and were very impressive in appearance, approach, and presentation. 

Antoinette Hargrove Duke, left, Director of the TSU Career Development Center, says employers are impressed about the students’ level of preparation. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

Antoinette Hargrove Duke, director of TSU’s Career Development Center, said a lot goes into preparing students for the career fair, including resume writing, and prepping for interviews. 

“We are glad that it shows because employers are talking about the turnout and how ready our students are,” said Duke. “Additionally, we are very excited about the opportunity to return to campus after being virtual for over 15 months. The excitement among our campus and university partners is amazing.” 

Kisa Caruthers, senior electrical engineer for Global Facilities at Burns & McDonnell, was at the fair as a recruiter for the giant engineering and construction firm. The TSU graduate said her company was interested in recruiting, especially minority students. 

Kisa Caruthers, Senior Electrical Engineer for Global Facilities at Burns & McDonnell, returns to her alma mater as a recruiter for her company. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“Our goal is to bring in students who can take all of those fundamentals from the classroom and actually have some application to it and expose our minority students to the real life of engineering,” Caruthers said. “We are talking about internships, co-op opportunities, as well as full employment. The students today are phenomenal. They came very prepared. I am very proud of them.” 

Among major sponsors of the career fair were Cigna, Berry Global, Inc., LG&E and KU Energy, Pathways Camelot Care Centers of Tennessee, and Smith & Nephew Supply Chain. 

For more information on the TSU Career Services Department, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/careers/ 

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a  premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees.  TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee.  With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students  with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, GRANTS, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

30 TSU Students receive business, leadership training in PetSmart paid summer experience

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Thirty TSU students are participating in a seven-week virtual paid summer experience with PetSmart, the nation’s largest retailer of pet products and services. The TSU Career Development Center is coordinating the training, which started June 21 and ends Aug. 6. 

Tanya McNeal

Participants, who are mostly freshmen and sophomores, are receiving training in personal development, business, and leadership as part of PetSmart’s diversity and inclusion initiative. The initiative offers college students the opportunity to increase their knowledge in such areas as relationship building, effective presentation, emotional intelligence and being a team player. 

“This training is allowing me to take another look at myself as I prepare for the business world,” says Tanya McNeal, of Milwaukee, a junior agricultural science major with a business concentration. “They really try hard to make sure that you understand yourself and how you develop as an individual when it comes to emotional control.” 

Zoe Brown

Zoe Brown, a sophomore psychology major with a minor in entrepreneurship, says it is very encouraging for PetSmart to reach out to students to learn about its business practices.

“In entrepreneurship, you learn to run a business primarily by yourself and it can be difficult and challenging,” says Brown, of Austell, Georgia, “For PetSmart, which has been around for years in terms of professional development to reach out and provide us this opportunity is really helpful when I have my own business.” 

Denzel Wilcox, a sophomore business major from Nashville, adds: “This summer experience is giving me an advantage to learn the ropes on how to become a good intern. It exposes me to the corporate world as a business major.” 

Denzel Wilcox

Participants in the PetSmart Summer Experience Learning Series earn $15 an hour at three hours a week. The retail giant is underwriting the training with a $20,000 donation to the university. 

Lauren Givens, PetSmart’s Manager of Emerging Talent, says the training program is aimed to fill the gap for soft skills such as emotional intelligence, which are not taught in school, as well as to develop a pipeline of students ready to fill potential internship or full-time employment with her company. 

“At PetSmart, we look at developing and retaining the best talent from all backgrounds to really drive innovation and deliver superior result,” says Givens, adding that TSU’s offerings of concentrations in supply chain, business, marketing programs, and fashion merchandising were key in reaching out to the university. 

“So, one of the things that we develop this program for is to really create a career path. If individuals come to this summer experience, the hope is that when we start opening up our internship or full-time opportunities at PetSmart, we will have a pipeline of students ready to go that we can reach out to.” 

Antoinette Hargrove Duke, TSU’s director of the Career Development Center, says the goal of the center is to provide career readiness opportunities to “prepare our students to go in the workforce,” and PetSmart’s summer experience is helping to meet that goal. 

“The center is proud to partner with PetSmart to provide this first PetSmart Summer Experience for our students,” says Duke.  “We are excited about this seven-week business and leadership series that gives these 30 students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of the retail industry, as well as gain career readiness skills that employers seek.” 

Based in Phoenix, PetSmart has about 56,000 employees and operates approximately 1,650 stores in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. 

For more information on the TSU Career Development Center, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/careers/

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a  premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees.  TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee.  With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students  with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

Alumni, College of Engineering, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU students seek internships, job opportunities as record number of companies attend first-ever virtual career fair

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is making sure its students are not missing out on internships or employment opportunities, since many on-campus recruitment activities were cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.

On Sept. 22, the university held its first-ever virtual career fair with a record 169 companies represented. Nearly 600 students from various disciplines attended. Handshake, an online platform that helps college students get jobs, facilitated the virtual workshop in collaboration with the TSU Career Development Center. Students directly interacted with employers through group and one-on-one sessions.

Reginald Holland, III, a second-year graduate student in agricultural sciences, and KeAnna Dakwa, a civil engineering major, were among the early participants in the virtual fair.

Reginald Holland, III, says he is looking for internship in the agriculture field. (Submitted Photo)

“This (virtual fair) was very unique and interesting,” said Holland, of Clarksville, Tennessee, who was looking for internship opportunities in the agriculture field. “I spoke with several employers. They were very receptive and interested in what I had to say.”

Dakwa, a junior from Huntsville, Alabama, who was also looking for an internship, said she felt good talking with representatives of major companies and agencies like the U.S. Department of Energy, Michigan Department of Transportation, Conoco, Duke Energy and DTE Energy.

“It was really awesome,” said Dakwa. “I really enjoyed the one-on-one sessions, and I really think I have a good chance of getting an internship, because of how I connected with them.”

KeAnna Dakwa, a civil engineering major, says she left the fair feeling good about landing an internship. (Submitted Photo)

Frank Stevenson, associated vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, described the record turn-out of employers as “a community-wide celebration of career opportunities for our student.”

“This year’s career fair was so amazing in that we had the largest turn-out of employers who were really interested in our students,” Stevenson said. “We recognize doing it this way, there is some value in the virtual experience. This was the result of a complete push of the entire university – Academic Affairs, the Honors College – to make sure our students were prepared.”

Unlike the in-person career and employment fairs the Career Development Center hosts each year, students who attended the virtual fair registered and submitted resumes ahead of time to be able to participate. The center also provided students with a virtual career-guide manual with topics that are normally covered during face-to-face interactions with employers.

William Corneh, left, a second-year business marketing major, talks to representatives of Provider Trust about internship opportunity, during the 2020 Spring Internship Fair. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“The goal was to make sure our students made a great impression and that employers had a good idea about what our students were looking for,” said Antoinette Hargrove Duke, associate director of the Career Development Center. “Additionally, many of these companies not only registered for this fair, but came prepared to offer jobs to many of our students.”

Company representatives said they were impressed with the TSU students’ presentations, outlook and approach, and that they had a very good grasp of what they were looking for.

Cornelia Butler, a TSU alum and continuous improvement manager of Detroit-based DTE Energy, said her company was looking for students interested in summer internships in computer and electrical engineering, with the potential for full-time employment.

‘It was so exciting to meet some of the TSU students, they are articulate, passionate about what they want to learn and where they want to go,” said Butler, who along with her husband and a son, earned engineering degrees at TSU.

“Just from their GPAs, from their experiences, and what they want to do, it was exciting to meet them. My goal definitely is to find opportunities for summer internships, and to get back with those students,” Butler said.

Cheryl Mabry-Shirey, manager of talent acquisition at The General, one of the fair’s sponsoring companies, also described the TSU students as focused, engaging, upbeat and positive.

“We talked a lot about our open positions and our internships,” said Mabry-Shirey, who also represented her company at the 2020 Spring Internship Fair, that resulted in internships for TSU students.

“Overall, it was very productive. We were more focused on internships and entry-level positions and full-time positions for people who are ready to go straight to work after school,” she said.

For more information on the TSU’s Career Development Center, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/careers/

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State UniversityFounded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a  premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees.  TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee.  With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students  with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.