BASE Bootcamp Connects Ole Miss Sales Students with Top Employers

The two-day event brought together undergraduate and graduate students from various disciplines with faculty members and industry professionals to learn and network.

The Business Analytics, Sales and Supply Chain, known as BASE, program combines faculty knowledge with industry interests for educational programs relevant to the job market. This year's event featured a keynote from consumer behavior and evolutionary psychology expert Gad Saad.

“His perspective on how the social sciences often ignore biological heritage was thought-provoking," said John Olivi, a junior sales and marketing major from Lake Forest, Illinois. "I had never previously considered using an evolutionary lens to explain business dynamics, and this approach has already altered how I operate daily.

“As I continue to grow in my academic and professional career, his teachings will certainly encourage me to consider the biological insights alongside standard analytical approaches.”

The event also included a career fair at The Inn at Ole Miss, where students met one-on-one with representatives from a range of companies.

Employers represented at the event were:

• Arrive Logistics
• CED
• Clearwater Cybersecurity and Compliance
• Dell Technologies
• Enterprise Mobility
• Equitable Advisors
• Ergon
• Fastenal
• Howard Industries
• Insight Global
• Modern Woodmen
• Mylo
• Netlink Voice
• New York Life
• OE Connection
• RJ Young
• Strategic Financial Partners
• Total Quality Logistics

“Kudos to the Ole Miss BASE program for creating meaningful connections between students and corporate partners,” said Tim Williams, sales manager with RJ Young. “Your commitment to developing future business professionals through hands-on career exposure, professional growth and networking opportunities is truly making a difference.

“A fantastic investment in the next generation of business leaders!”

The events were designed to help sales students find jobs and build professional networks, said Matthew Shaner, instructional assistant professor of marketing and the BASE program director.

“We organize these events to help our sales students build their professional networks and find great internships and jobs in sales,” Shaner said. “This event grows each year, and we hope we can continue to spread the word about this great opportunity for students looking to get a head start on their careers.”