2023-24
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DIVIDENDS
Experiencing the Biggest Retail Operation on the Planet By Emily Daniels or students at Mississippi State University’s College of Business, internships are not merely suggested to them but strongly advocated as transformative experiences integral to their undergraduate journeys. Across the academic landscape of MSU, students are instilled with the early understanding that acquiring practical work experience is paramount for elevating their employability, particularly in the dynamic field of business studies.
McKenzie has wholeheartedly embraced opportunities for leadership growth, making a positive impact on the Mississippi State community and ultimately contributing to his own success in securing a sought-after summer internship with retail conglomerate Walmart at its corporate headquarters in Arkansas. He sat down with us to reflect on his recent internship experience, sharing insights into the valuable lessons and opportunities gained at the intersection of academia and real-world application at the corporation described by Forbes as “the biggest retailing operation on the planet.” n Before we dive into your internship experience, can you tell us who or what influenced your decision to pursue your college education at Mississippi State University? I chose Mississippi State because my parents both went here, so I honestly grew up being a Bulldog. I even had an English Bulldog as a pet! When I toured campus, the environment was just out of this world – everyone seemed super authentic. n
What made you decide to pursue a business degree, and did you arrive on campus with a clear idea of your academic focus? I always love telling the story. While I was touring campus with my family, we met with the Assistant Director of Recruiting and Events for the College of Business. During our conversation, I told her that I hadn’t declared a major, but I said I wanted to do something with business and technology. She asked me if I had thought about the Business Information Systems (BIS) program here in the College of Business. I hadn’t, so she told me all about the program and the possible career paths that BIS graduates could have. A lot of students struggle with choosing who they want to be when they grow up, so I’m really thankful I was able to find something that I was so passionate about so quickly!
Photo by Emily Daniels
M I S S I S S I P P I STAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
Despite being the lone Bulldog from his high school graduating class, McKenzie bravely immersed himself in campus life and various organizations. His involvement in the New Maroon Camp, first as a nervous camper, then as a counselor and later as the Counselor Trainer on the Executive Board, showcases his dedication to fostering a sense of community among students. His engagement in Mississippi State extended to organizations like Freshman Reach, the College of Business Ambassadors (COBA), MSU Roadrunners and the Student Association, where he played a role in bringing influential speakers like former British Prime Minister David Cameron to campus.
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Among these students is Keimauri McKenzie, a senior majoring in business information systems. Hailing from Laurel, MS, McKenzie has a connection to Mississippi State that runs deep, rooted in a familial legacy of Bulldogs – both of his parents are proud alumni. But it wasn’t solely family ties that drew McKenzie to the University; rather, it was the warm and authentic atmosphere he encountered during his campus tour that solidified his choice.
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