SC State University students gain industry insights during Microsoft visit

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – For four South Carolina State University business students, a trip to Microsoft’s Atlanta campus offered more than tours and panels — it was a chance to see themselves represented in high-level finance roles and to connect with leaders shaping the tech industry.

Representing SC State were:

• Gabrielle Gibson, Summerville, South Carolina.
• Chandler Carraway, Columbia, South Carolina.
• Desiree Preston, Atlanta, Georgia.
• Micah Pitt, Barbados.

They joined peers from the University of South Carolina’s (USC) Darla Moore School of Business and other South Carolina HBCUs at the Atlantic Yards Campus. 

They were accompanied by William Whitaker, dean of the Honors College, and Christopher Carraway, professor of the year for the School of Business and Information Systems, who provided mentorship and guidance throughout the visit.

Organized by USC’s Office of Access, Opportunity, and Community Engagement, the experience immersed students in Microsoft’s collaborative and innovative culture. The agenda featured a finance career panel, a LinkedIn “Rock Your Profile” workshop, a Copilot/AI session, campus tours, and a networking and reflection event at TopGolf Augusta.

The finance career panel proved transformative for the SC State contingent. Gibson, an accounting major, said hearing candid insights about career progression, industry challenges and strategic networking “directly connected to my studies and deepened my interest in finance.”

ChandlerCarraway said learning from four Microsoft professionals gave him “a clearer understanding of the diverse career paths within the company and the importance of resilience and adaptability.” 

Pitt emphasized the panel’s advice about aligning personal values with career choices and “staying curious,” which underscored the importance of self-awareness and continuous learning.

Exploring Microsoft’s innovation spaces, including The Garage, further expanded the students’ horizons. Preston described the experience as inspiring and empowering, particularly witnessing people of color thriving in high-level finance positions

“Representation matters,” she reflected. “Seeing their success reassured me that my voice and perspective are valuable and needed in the world of finance.”

The LinkedIn workshop with Microsoft’s Caleb Bonsi was equally impactful. Carraway and Pitt described it as practical and immediately actionable, equipping them with strategies to strengthen their professional brands, expand their networks and prepare for future opportunities.

Gibson noted how the session’s insights aligned seamlessly with her long-term career plans, while Preston said the encouragement to remain curious and embrace continuous learning inspired her to pursue emerging technologies and broaden her skill set.

The day concluded at TopGolf Augusta, where students, faculty and professionals continued to build relationships in a relaxed setting. Carraway said the informal networking environment allowed him to forge meaningful connections across institutions, relationships he hopes to nurture throughout his academic and professional journey.

“This collaboration underscores the importance of creating meaningful corporate engagement opportunities for our students,” said Dr. David Staten, SC State associate provost for academic affairs at SC State. “Through experiences like this, our Bulldogs gain exposure to industry leaders, innovative technologies, and professional networks that will serve them well as future business and tech professionals.”

Dr. Frederick Evans, provost and vice president for academic affairs. praised the initiative’s long-term impact.

“Providing our students with real-world experiences like the Microsoft visit is central to our mission at SC State,” Evans said. “Opportunities like these help bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, preparing our graduates to lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions in a rapidly changing global economy.”

The visit was made possible through the Rising Scholars Program and the South Carolina HBCU Business School Deans Collaborative, underscoring SC State’s commitment to preparing graduates to excel in competitive, technology-driven industries.