By Kelli Sharpe
Jackson State University
JACKSON – Jackson State University is helping students get the best return on their college education by finding them employment. JSU hosted the 2026 Spring Career Expo on Feb. 26, at the Walter Payton Center. Over 300 students attended, giving them direct access to representatives from 77 private and public-sector employers.
“Preparing students for life beyond graduation is a responsibility we take seriously at Jackson State University,” said Interim President Denise Jones Gregory. “The Spring Career Expo strengthens the connection between classroom learning and meaningful employment by bringing our students face to face with opportunity.”
In the lead-up to the Spring Career Expo, employer partners were instrumental in preparing students. Representatives from Lockheed Martin, Cooperative Energy, Continental Tires, Regions Bank, Southern Company and Georgia Pacific participated in the Career Expo Prep Day to help students fine-tune their resumes and enhance their interview skills.
“For many of us, this is where the rubber meets the road,” shared Chloe Nash, a senior Psychology major who participated in the prep day. “We invest four years into our education, and now we have to show that we are ready for meaningful employment. Whether in HR or another field, every organization has a place for psychology. I am excited to see where these businesses, connections and opportunities lead me.”
LaShanda Jordan, Ph.D., executive director of Student and Career Services and the JSU Career Service Center, emphasized the significance of these employer partnerships. “The value that our employer partners bring to the preparatory events is immeasurable, as they directly influence the employability of our students. The Career Expo is a vital component of the college experience, providing essential networking opportunities.”
Jordan said 40 students registered for the prep day event to ensure they were well-prepared for the career fair. Additionally, the College of Business helped business majors gain a competitive edge in the job market through a specialized career fair. The Center for Academic and Professional Success (CAPS) sponsored an event just for business students, scheduled ahead of the Spring Career Expo.
“Career readiness events are extremely important to students in the College of Business,” said Shelia Porterfield, Ph.D, associate dean with the JSU College of Business. “They are designed to help prepare students for their entry into the business world and CAPS does this by engaging students in a host of career readiness activities, including professional development courses.”
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics has cited technology and data, healthcare, business and finance and specialized roles as high-demand jobs for 2026 graduates. These fields include information security analysts, software engineers, medical and health services managers, financial analysts, research analysts, and teachers.
According to ZipRecruiter Economic Research, employers are increasingly requiring four-year degrees, with over 70% of companies requiring them for entry-level positions in 2025. In 2024, it was only 55%.
For more information about the 2026 Spring Career Expo and the JSU Career Services Center, please visit JSU Career Services or call 601.979.2477.
