Event Provides Unforgettable Experience for Students

                                                                                                                                                    By Christin Watson

Last week, students and faculty from Alabama A&M University traveled to New Orleans for the annual Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, presented by the Black College Football Hall of Fame. The event not only showcased top football talent but also provided invaluable career development opportunities for students.

Alabama A&M Head Football Coach Sam Shade was selected to coach Team Robinson, which secured a 17-14 victory over Team Gaither. The postseason all-star game highlights NFL draft-eligible players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, giving them a platform to display their skills on a national stage.

Beyond the game, the HBCU Legacy Bowl Career Fair has become a pivotal part of the event, growing into the largest HBCU career fair in the nation.

“Coming to a space like this and being exposed to this many organizations, as well as the panels to talk a little about career development and what it takes to make that transition from student to professional, are invaluable experiences that a lot of our students don’t necessarily get,” said Jeremy Cheeks, program coordinator and assistant professor for sports management at Alabama A&M.

Dr. David Allen, a '91 alumnus and career fair panelist who now works in the Office of Retention and Matriculation at Texas Southern University, emphasized the importance of such events for students and employers alike. “These companies need to see who we are,” he said. “They need to see that there’s a boatload of talent within these HBCUs.”

In partnership with Career Development Services, Alabama A&M University sponsored 50 students from various majors to attend. These students had the opportunity to make meaningful professional connections and engage with potential employers.

“These connections have been very genuine and sincere,” said Aiyannah Harris, a graduating psychology major from Huntsville, Ala. “I feel like they have really taken the time to come and connect with students like me who are trying to get to their level and are reaching for the stars to help us get there.”

Keidrick Harris, Jr., a junior communication media major from Nashville, shared his excitement about attending. “I felt like this opportunity was one that doesn’t come around often, so I did what I could to be here,” he said. “I’ve had a great time talking to different people and just learning from different experts, and I think a lot of people are interested in what I’m doing at Alabama A&M.”

Allen also offered advice to students about preparing for their careers. “I think one of the key things is for students to really do their research and really do their homework,” he said. “Get practical experience on campus. Make sure they’re directional, they’re intentional, they’re career-focused, and they’re centered in terms of where you want to go next, because that next step is huge.”