MSU grads looking beyond state line

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- It’s finals time at Mississippi State University and that means students are hitting the books and fitting in those last minute cram sessions, but some students are facing some extra stress.

“After I graduate hopefully I’m getting a job in Texas. I’ve got two prospects, so hopefully I’m going to be on TV for a considerable time over in Texas where I’ve always wanted to be,” said senior Alexandra Kent.

This year’s seniors are looking past finals, to graduation, and the job market.

“I’ve actually got an offer in Wyoming that I’m probably going to accept,” said senior Aaron Lowery.

While others focus on perfecting their grades.

“I haven’t been on the job hunt just because I’ve been focusing on graduating trying to get these grades perfect for med school,” said senior Jaylen Leverette.

Many students are leaving the Magnolia State for what they consider greener pastures.

“The market is supposedly better than it’s ever been for college graduates. There are lots of issues. Sometimes keeping kids in Mississippi is a problem and they want to leave for a variety of reasons. The lights and sights and sounds of big city, some don’t feel the opportunity is here for them,” said Jeffrey Rupp.

“It’s not really anything about Mississippi. I just always wanted to go to Texas, Oklahoma since I was little,” said Kent.

Programs like MSU’s E-Center are working to help students make connections, build skills, and bring opportunities to the state.

“There are three outcomes that we like. The first is they don’t pursue the business but the skills they get, the business skills they get, makes them more valuable in the marketplace that’s one win. The second one, is they take their student start-up and use it as a side hustle to supplement their professional gig. The third and biggest best outcome is they decide to pursue their start-up full the time not only creating a job for themselves hopefully in Mississippi but also creating more jobs for other people,” said Rupp.

With a job in hand or not, students are ready to walk across that stage.

“Right now it feels great because like I know I’m gonna have a breather for a second after graduating,” said Leverette.

“It’s exciting. It’s like you know I’ve been working my butt off here in college and now it’s like you’ve got this job lined up, time to go pursue that dream,” said Lowery.

The Mississippi Department of Employment Security shows the state lost 1,300 people from 2016 to 2017.

Desoto and Harrison counties were the only counties showing significant growth.