Survey: MSU degree propels Bulldog graduates to career success
Contact: Carl Smith
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State graduates continue to find career success thanks to their Bulldog education, a recent survey shows.
MSU’s annual First Destination Survey shows 95% of responding 2024-25 graduates reported being employed full or part time, continuing their education, participating in service-oriented programs or serving in the U.S. armed forces. This figure holds level with the successful outcome rate reported by 2023-2024 graduates responding to last year’s survey.
“Students at Mississippi State University continue to find successful career opportunities upon graduation,” said MSU Career Center Executive Director Bethany Mills. “While students at MSU are incredibly talented, their success is also a testament to the preparation provided by faculty and staff to ensure our students have the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the workplace. From industry integration in the classroom to research opportunities to student employment to accessible student success resources—the MSU community is dedicated to helping our students thrive.”
Responses from 4,136 graduates—approximately 72% of the 5,770-member graduating class—were collected for this year’s First Destination Survey. Of those respondents, only 183 graduates—only 4%—sought employment at the time of the survey. Of those reporting their full- or part-time employment status, approximately 56% of respondents work in Mississippi, while 70% of those continuing their education did so at a Magnolia State institution of higher learning.
Approximately 88% of participating graduates said their degrees aligned with their current jobs and industries. Top employers for graduates include Ergon Refining, Ingalls Shipbuilding, International Paper, MSU and the university’s Extension Service, Neel-Schaffer engineering firm and the Rankin County School District.
The First Destination Survey is administered by the MSU Career Center and follows the National Association of Colleges and Employers guidelines. According to NACE FDS reports, MSU’s successful career outcomes rate exceeds the national average. Annual college-specific reports can be found at https://www.career.msstate.edu/career-outcomes.
Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, students engaged with 703 employers throughout the Career Center’s 71 career fairs, interviewing events and campus visits.
“The Career Center is proud to be a part of our students’ career success. Career advisors provide tailored career development advice, help connect students with industry-specific opportunities and meet with students for individualized support when they are unsure of their career path,” Mills said. “Our goal is to continue providing excellent service to our students and to help them access career options that may otherwise be unattainable.”
Located in Montgomery Hall, the MSU Career Center offers drop-in hours for students from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit www.career.msstate.edu for more information.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.