By Emmanuel Freeman
When Darius Boyd dons his cap and gown at TSU’s spring commencement on Saturday, he will receive his bachelor’s degree in business information systems with an extra level of hope and satisfaction. That’s because Boyd will hear inspiring words from TSU’s most famous alumnus, Oprah Winfrey, and have a job waiting on him once he crosses the stage. His early employment is also an indication of the bright jobs market many experts predict for 2023 college graduates.
“I am very excited to have a job waiting for me right out of college,” says Boyd, who has been hired as a business analyst in the technology department at Bank of America. “I am excited and blessed to have the opportunity to have the skill set to work at a company such as Band of America, and to have Ms. Oprah Winfrey as my commencement speaker to end my college career at TSU is mind-blowing.”
Boyd is not alone with a job waiting and excitement as he awaits the ceremony. He is one of six yet to receive their degrees out of the spring graduating class who have already been hired by BOA in high-paying positions, with salaries ranging from $75,000-$95,000 and a guaranteed $10,000 signing bonus each. But that’s not all. Many others from the class of 2023, from internships, co-ops to fulltime employment, have jobs lined up.
Jackson Tyler Houston, of Brentwood, Tennessee, who will receive his bachelor’s degree in computer science, has a job offer waiting for him at CGI (Consultants in Management and Information Technology), one of the largest IT and business consulting firms in the world. He’s being hired as a consultant.
“It is fantastic leaving college with a send-off from the one and only Oprah Winfrey and having a job lined,” says Houston. “I can’t wait to hear her messages, but to have a job already was a huge relief off my shoulders going into my final semester and not have to worry about finding an employment.”
Houston, who interned with CGI up to his senior year of college, received an offer after he finished the program and credits TSU for the early employment.
“I must thank TSU and my professors who gave me the opportunity to pursue the job in the first place,” he says.
While many analysts see a booming jobs market for 2023 college graduates, at TSU, students credit their success to rigorous classroom and field training, passionate professors, and a Career Development Center that is focused on preparing and exposing students to available opportunities.
Angela Davis, assistant director of the CDC, says in addition to career fairs, training and other events, the department utilizes different job search platforms such as Handshake to connect employers with students.
“We cover topics such as resume preparation, creating a brand, preparing for the interview, soft skills in the workplace, how to navigate a career fair, as well as opportunities that are available within those companies,” says Davis.
“We also hold Table-Top sessions throughout the semester. Each event provides students the opportunity to engage with employers for employment opportunities.”
Overall, TSU students graduating this year are in a good mix when it comes to hiring. A study published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows that employers are looking to hire more 2023 graduates than in 2022. Another NAEC survey released just recently, shows that undergraduates are receiving an average of 1.14 job offers before graduation.
“This has been a long four years, but with a very exciting ending,” says Jada Carter, also eluding Winfrey and secured employment.
“I am ready to get out in the world and represent TSU because they have done a lot for me,” adds Carter. The Milwaukee native is also going to work for BOA as an enterprise risk credit analyst.
“The Career Development Center has been very helpful. I have worked very closely with them in the last four years. This helped me to build professional relationships with recruiters and business partners. I’m leaving TSU on the right track, with a job and the best commencement speaker you could hope for, and a fellow TSU graduate.”
Carter, and Boyd of Memphis, Tennessee, will be assigned at the BOA headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. They will be among more than 800 undergraduate and graduate students who will receive degrees at the 2023 spring commencement.
Spring 2023 commencement
Tennessee State University alumna Oprah Winfrey is coming home to headline TSU’s Spring Commencement as the keynote speaker for the undergraduate Commencement on Saturday, May 6 at 8 a.m. CDT, in Hale Stadium. Due to demand, security and safety protocols, this is a ticketed event. The undergraduate ceremony will be moved to the Gentry Center Complex in case of rain. United States Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, Miss-Second District, will address graduate students at an indoor ceremony on Friday, May 5 at 5 p.m. CDT, in the Gentry Center.
