Representatives from Mississippi’s largest employer came to Mississippi Valley State for two days to discuss job skills, look over resumes, and provide information about their company to MVSU students, faculty, and staff.
Ingalls Shipbuilding, which is based in Pascagoula, Miss., sent two employees from its human resources department to lead Ingalls Job Skills Training Day, a step forward in the burgeoning relationship between the company and Mississippi Valley State.
“We are part of a global society,” said La Shon Brooks, chief of staff and legislative liaison at MVSU. “Businesses and universities are partnering for the benefit of the students. This partnership offers professional development opportunities for not only students but faculty and staff as well. A business might donate equipment, for example, that students are able to use to gain practical experience, helping them be more prepared in the workforce. We look forward to the fruits of this ongoing relationship.”
Participants gathered in the Social Science Auditorium on March 23 to listen to Mike Catchings, diversity recruiter for Ingalls Shipbuilding, discuss job skills and the hiring process, focusing especially on the interview.
“We are looking for a long and lasting relationship,” Catchings said. After the lecture, both Catchings and Carlos Moulds, Ingalls' lead EEO investigator, reviewed several students’ resumes, letting them know what hiring managers look for in the resume.
Career Services Center Director, Tiffany Wallace emphasized the importance of events such as these for students. She hopes that students will be able to receive more job and internship opportunities from Ingalls and be more prepared to enter the workforce as a result of The Valley’s partnership with the organization.
“Both Mississippi Valley State and Ingalls are passionate about seeing students succeed,” Wallace said. “Additionally, this event is an opportunity for the HR representatives visiting campus to recruit and groom talent.”