Kayla Stevenson, Trinity Bissahoyo, and Elisha Brabson-Hughes all wanted help to improve their chances in the job market once they graduate from the University of Tennessee. They were seeking advice on interviewing, networking, and internships opportunities.
They found the perfect resource through the Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) Career Prep program.
Funded by TCE alumni Dwight Hutchins (BS/ChemE, ’86) and coordinated by the Dwight Hutchins Engineering Diversity Program office, MLT Career Prep is a rigorous 20-month career development program for emerging student leaders who have had fewer opportunities to experience career-accelerating resources.
Through the program, students explore their strengths, passions, and interests to prepare and plan for successful careers in business and tech. The program includes:
- Individualized and group career coaching development
- Exposure and access to more than 60 prestigious employers
- Skill development seminars hosted virtually and around the country
- Alumni network of more than 8,000 professionals
Stevenson, Bissahoyo, and Brabson-Hughes are part of UT’s inaugural MLT Career Prep cohort, along with fellow Tickle College of Engineering undergraduate student Grey Armstrong.
“I signed up for MLT Career Prep because I wanted to be part of a community that would push me to grow both professionally and personally,” said Brabson-Hughes, a junior industrial engineering major. “As someone interested in consulting and business strategy, I saw MLT as an opportunity to refine my career goals, gain industry exposure, and build a strong network of like-minded, ambitious individuals.”
Bissahoyo appreciates the camaraderie she’s built with fellow students undergoing the same process she’s navigating.
“They have seminars that allow you to meet not only companies and get insider information on how to be a successful candidate, but also connect with peers from around the nation,” said Bissahoyo, a junior computer science major. “It can be nerve wracking talking to older people when trying to network, but speaking to those your age, you have an easier time finding like-minded individuals to learn from and connect with.”
Mentoring matters
Stevenson, a senior majoring in applied artificial intelligence, has spent more than a year in the program. She was paired with a mentor, Shanay Saddler, who is a web developer and career coach with a computer engineering degree.
“She’s incredible. She’s extremely knowledgeable about the software field, and I can schedule one-on-one calls with her whenever I need advice or guidance about things like managing school and work, juggling tasks, choosing between internship opportunities, and the like,” Stevenson said. “She also hosts different workshops to talk about building our brand, connecting with recruiters, and maintaining a sense of self while trying to market yourself in career fairs.”
Bissahoyo has also benefitted from the program’s mentorship opportunities.
“My coach has helped me prep for career fairs and interviews,” Bissahoyo said. “I really value the one-on-one coach time they provide because they really focus on you, your strengths, and how to leverage and build to be a better candidate for positions you want. I honestly believe helped me do well for the job I have now.”
Stevenson is grateful TCE introduced the MLT Career Prep program to provide students like her with a gateway to a successful future in the engineering industry.
“I really hope to continue networking and making connections through the program,” she said. “I found that keeping your connections warm is one of the most important things when it comes to finding jobs, program opportunities, or just receiving invaluable advice from people in your field.”
As part of the inaugural cohort, Bissahoyo can provide feedback to students interested in joining the program in the future. Her biggest tip is a universal truth.
“MLT is only as much as you put into it. You’re going to get as much as you give,” she said. “They have amazing resources, but you have to use them and put in your own effort to take advantage of them.”
Contact
Rhiannon Potkey (865-974-0683, [email protected])