Preparing Future Leaders
Our industry partners provide students with real-world experiences that put into practice the methods, processes, and knowledge presented in the classroom. This is accomplished through meaningful workplace experiences such as co-ops, internships, and experiential learning courses.
If you are interested in learning more about engaging with CME, please contact:
Scott Kilpatrick
Interim Executive Director
skilpat@olemiss.edu
CME Advisory Council
We believe that industry guidance and support are critical in developing and maintaining a curriculum that will prepare our students for rewarding careers. The CME Advisory Council, composed of industry and government leaders, meets annually to review the curriculum for CME’s minor or emphasis in manufacturing and provide recommendations for revisions that keep the curriculum current and our graduates work-ready.
Experiential Learning
All CME students participate in lean manufacturing, and problem-solving teamwork assignments held on-site at manufacturing facilities.
Working with industry partners, the CME’s instructional team identifies course projects beneficial to the manufacturer and relates to students’ coursework.
Students spend time in the classroom and on the factory floor working in teams to complete the project during these courses. On the final day, students formally present their findings to plant management. CME has found this course benefits both our students and our industry partners.
Experiential learning courses have been held at ADP Products, ABB, Nissan, Ingalls Shipbuilding, Borg Warner, Viking Range, Blue Delta Jeans, GE Aviation, and more.
To learn more about this program and how your organization might participate in CME’s experiential learning course, please contact:
Eddie Carr, P.E.
Professor of Practice
ebcarr@olemiss.edu
Co-ops & Internships
CME leadership works with industry to make co-op and internship opportunities available to our students, and student participation is expected. In fact, 96% of CME students participate in co-ops or internships. Our students have participated in co-ops and internships with Toyota, Ingalls Shipbuilding, ExxonMobil, Trane, Tesla, and more.
To learn more about CME co-ops and internships and how your company might participate, please contact:
Scott Kilpatrick
Interim Executive Director
skilpat@olemiss.edu
Co-ops
The co-op experience can be beneficial to both the student and the employer. For students, it provides a foundation for their career planning. For the employer, it provides the opportunity to preview potential employees and instill the corporation’s culture and values.
CME’s co-op is defined as:
- A two-to-three semester program for the student, usually with the same employer but not always
- Resulting in a five-year degree program
- Full-time, paid position
The employer will:
- Assign work that complements the student’s academic track and develops a student’s talents and professional potential
- Provide physical working conditions that protect the safety, health, and welfare of the co-op student
- Be accountable to the co-op student for the implementation of a meaningful co-op experience
- Commit to exhibit a set of values and principles that will enhance the personal and professional development of the co-op student
- Provide the co-op student with regular performance reviews and an end-of-term evaluation
Internships
The internship experience is a single-semester program usually completed over the summer term, commonly a one-time work assignment (10-12 weeks) that does not interfere with college classes.
Meet the Maker
Throughout the academic year, CME hosts informal information sessions that provide employers the opportunity to present their company to CME students. To facilitate these sessions, CME notifies its students of the session, works with the company to coordinate the session, and provides meeting space and interview rooms within the CME facility. Companies present their organization to interested students, answer questions and conduct interviews.
If you would like to learn more about hosting a Meet the Maker session, please contact:
Scott Kilpatrick
Interim Executive Director
skilpat@olemiss.edu
Career Fairs
The Career Center at the University of Mississippi hosts the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Technology Day on campus. During this event, employers have the opportunity to meet and interview potential employees. To learn more, view scheduled career fairs (link to https://career.olemiss.edu/career-fairs/
Mississippi Forge
The Defense Industry Curriculum Council of Mississippi Forge, CME’s grant-funded Department of Defense | Office of Economic Adjustment project, works with CME to identify skill gaps and workforce deficiencies in the defense workforce and provides the guidance needed to develop educational solutions. This council is composed of defense contractors, industry associations, and government and education entities.
If you would like to learn more about Mississippi Forge, please contact
Denise Theobald Roberts
Project Director
cdtheoba@olemiss.edu
Partners
Mississippi Manufacturers Association
Mississippi Automotive Manufacturing Association
Manufacturing Institute Education Council
