Cooperative Education

Serving in the role of Assistant Director of Cooperative Education, I oversee our co-op and internship program. While on a co-op or internship, students are able to gain hands-on experience and learn about different industries. I love seeing students confirm their career paths while also growing professionally. Our employers give students the ability to to participate in real-time projects, sit in on meetings, and present to company employees. My favorite part of my job is when a student comes back from completing a co-op or internship and they’ve been offered a job with their company.

I’ve been with the Career Center in Cooperative Education for over 10 years and began as a career advisor for our engineering students seeking co-op opportunities. As an MSU alumni (’07, ’09), I love that I get to work on campus.While I started my career in vocational rehabilitation and then worked for a federal grant, my favorite aspect of those jobs was career development. I quickly realized that was were my passion was and jumped on the opportunity to work at the Career Center, the rest is history!

While students are a large proponent of my role, I also get to work with our amazing employers. Whether it’s helping new employers setting up a co-op or internship program or assisting one of our campus partners with recruitment I love sharing what great candidates our students make. Building a talent pipeline is often the reason employers choose to begin a co-op or internship program and a great benefit from having co-ops and interns. If you’re company is looking to hire MSU talent, I’d love to chat with you!

Favorite Campus Spot: Mitchell Memorial Library. As a lover of books and history I appreciate all our library has to offer and it’s such a great resource for our students. I also have great memories of staying up way too late studying for exams with friends during graduate school. Many cups of coffee have been bought from Einstein Brothers!

As the Cooperative Education Program Coordinator at Mississippi State University’s Career Center, I’ve had the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by overseeing student records, and assisting students with the process of both finding a co-op or internship and ensuring that they are on the correct path with our program. I’m passionate about empowering others to reach their goals, and I take great pride in being part of an organization that shares this mission.

My journey with Mississippi State began in 2017 as a student worker, where I quickly discovered my passion for supporting students and being part of the Bulldog family. Since joining the Career Center team in 2022, I’ve had the opportunity to deepen that passion by contributing to our career services efforts and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to develop strong relationships with both employers and students, and I’ve been inspired by the countless stories of success and growth that have resulted from our collaborative efforts. I’m committed to continuing to learn and grow alongside my colleagues, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for our program and for those we serve.

Favorite Campus Spot: Davis Wade Stadium and The Junction. There’s nothing quite like a fall Saturday cheering on the Bulldogs with family and friends. Hail State!

Student Population I serve:

• Bagley College of Engineering

As the Career Advisor for the Bagley College of Engineering, I work with engineering students on all things career: finding internships and co-ops, figuring out what they want to do (or don’t want to do), navigating job offers, prepping for interviews, and everything in between. I know how overwhelming all of that can feel, so I want all students to know that they don’t have to do it alone.

I’ve been part of the Mississippi State community for over a decade, and it’s truly become home. I started here as an undergrad studying Psychology, went on to earn my MBA, and now I’m working on my Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and Workforce Development.

My own career path hasn’t always been a straight line and included a major career shift that helped me discover where my passions and strengths truly aligned. This is why I feel so passionate about helping students navigate their own next steps with clarity and confidence. I feel incredibly grateful to do this work at a place that’s shaped so much of who I am. Being part of the Career Center and supporting Mississippi State students every day is truly a privilege.

Favorite Campus Spot: Davis-Wade Stadium, where I first met my husband at a Mississippi State football game (vs. Jackson State). I still have the ticket stub from that day framed and hanging in our home, so it’ll always hold a special place in my heart.