MSU launches Maroon L.E.A.D.S initiative to enhance student employment experience
Mississippi State University this week launched the Maroon Leadership, Employment and Development for Students (L.E.A.D.S) initiative, a comprehensive program designed to enrich the on-campus employment experience for undergraduate students.
Recognizing the vital role campus employment plays in student success, the program aims to transform student jobs into meaningful learning experiences that better prepare students for life after college.
“We know that student employment can be a high-impact practice that helps to improve student success,” MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt said. “As part of the university’s transformational plan, a campuswide working group developed the Maroon L.E.A.D.S. program. We are so excited to see the positive benefits our undergraduates will have because of more meaningful on-campus work experiences with this initiative.”
Maroon L.E.A.D.S. provides structured resources for student-employees and their supervisors. Student-employees will navigate a LinkedIn Learning course focused on the top eight competencies sought by employers. Each module is designed with short, engaging videos and reflection prompts, giving students the chance to apply what they've learned to their jobs and discuss their insights with supervisors.
A Maroon L.E.A.D.S. Canvas course will give supervisors a roadmap to help guide their student-employees in developing key career readiness competencies. It also will offer sample job descriptions and step-by-step instructions on using CONNECTIONS, MSU’s job-posting board for campus employment. In January, all undergraduate on-campus employment opportunities will be required to be posted on CONNECTIONS, further streamlining the student hiring process.
This structured approach encourages dialogue between students and supervisors, helping students connect their classroom learning with their professional development.
Students and supervisors can access the Maroon L.E.A.D.S. course and other resources directly through their myState portal, ensuring easy integration into daily campus routines.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.