The Federal Bureau of Investigation came to Florida A&M University in the hopes of recruiting students Friday.
Senior Jessica Martin, a 20-year-old business student from Pontiac, Mich., said the FBI, in conjunction with EdVenture Partners, chose FAMU for the FBI’s collegiate marketing and recruitment program. She said the FBI offered students internship opportunities, fellowships and possible employment.
Martin, who is also the director of the student-run advertising agency Bull’s Eye Inc., said the group is a part of a class project, which doubles as a full-service firm. The agency worked diligently to advertise the event.
“The point of this exercise is to give us hands-on experience and teach us how advertising businesses are operated in the real world,” she said.
EdVenture Partners, an education marketing company headquartered in Berkeley, Calif., has created industry education partnerships on more than 380 college campuses in the United States. EdVenture Partners, in conjunction with the FBI, provided Bull’s Eye Inc. with continued resources, guidance and a project budget of $2,500 to implement a marketing campaign.
The program is an initiative geared toward increasing students’ awareness of the bureau. Richard Brand, a professor in the School of Business and Industry, was responsible for teaming with the FBI and EdVenture Partners.
“We would not have taken on this project if it were not so true to life. In particular, the simultaneous activities and the integration of the various departments are absolutely realistic,” Brand said.
FAMU is one of 22 schools nationwide involved with this program, which is designed to bridge the gap between industry and education.
“Many students will learn from accepting a leadership role and get an understanding of the challenges and accomplishments that can be derived from managing people,” Brand said.
According to Jeff Westcott, an FBI special agent from the Jacksonville division, those with experience in intelligence, law and military possess the critical skills necessary for these positions.
“We are here to raise awareness, build relationships and offer opportunities,” Westcott said.
Martin said Bull’s Eye Inc. hosted three events for the FBI recruitment day. The events included a breakfast at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, an FBI recruitment fair in the Rattler’s Den and a reception in the Architecture Atrium, in which interested students could get more information about career opportunities with the Bureau.
“The reason I attended the event is because I essentially wanted knowledge of the FBI’s mission statement and how the FBI functions,” said Sydney Carroll, a freshman nursing student from Beverly, Mass.
Students and Bull’s Eye Inc. representatives agreed the events were informative for those who are interested .
” It let me know that there are more than just special agent positions available,” said Torry McClellan, a senior business administration student from Chattahoochee.
“If you’re looking for a meaningful career or calling, you need to investigate us,” Westcott said.
Contact Julian E. Thompson and lorian miles at famuannews@hotmail.com.