Above: Gayla Reeves completed her associate degree in 3D Modeling and Design Technology and is continuing to work toward her bachelor’s degree while working at Ingalls. The program, offered at the college’s Jackson County Campus, currently has 18 students in the internship program, with more opportunities available.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College students in the 3D Modeling and Design Technology program, formerly Drafting and Design, are gaining experience in their future occupations with an opportunity to be employed while attending classes in an outstanding internship program with Ingalls Shipbuilding. The program, offered at the college’s Jackson County Campus, currently has 18 students in the internship program, with more opportunities available. A number of the program’s graduates have been hired by Ingalls and their partners due in large part to the success of the internship program.

“We are thrilled to have a great partner like Ingalls that wants our students and that is willing to work with them while they are still in school,” said Amanda Magee, program director. “This gives our students an opportunity to see what working in drafting and design is like in the real world, gets them in on the ground floor, and gives them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills to potential employers.”

Magee said the students are paid for the internships, and their work hours are scheduled around their classes. “This is really a win-win situation for our students because they have a chance to work in a real-world setting in their field while getting paid.  Plus, once they graduate from MGCCC, they have the opportunity to walk into a job that pays, on average, $58,000 a year starting pay.”

Michael Ward, a graduate of MGCCC’s 3D Modeling and Design Technology program, was formerly an intern and is now working with an Ingalls’ contractor full time.

Michael Ward, of Hurley, is one such graduate. He began working with an Ingalls’ contractor full time in December 2015. Ward says, “I truly enjoy this job. Right now, I’m on a beginner level, basically copying other designs, but I plan to move up steadily, with the opportunity to do more and more of my own design. The opportunities offered through the internship and the great partnership the college has with Ingalls have opened doors for me and for many other students.”

Gayla Reeves, of Bay St. Louis, completed her associate’s degree and is continuing to work toward her bachelor’s degree while working at Ingalls. “It is the best possible thing that could have happened to me,” she said. “The great preparation I had here, at MGCCC, in the 3D Modeling and Design program, along with the experience from this internship, has certainly put me in the right place to get a great job. I cannot be more thankful.”

Reeves said that because of the curriculum at MGCCC and the internship, she was better prepared for the position she gained after graduation. “I’m very excited about all of this! It has been life-changing for me.  Doing this job is exactly what I’ve always wanted.”

While in the program at MGCCC, Reeves said she appreciated the variety of schedules offered for classes. “They understand that students have jobs and other responsibilities, so they offer classes at convenient times. I loved the weekend classes! And our instructors were always willing to talk to you and work with you. All in all, it is an exceptional program. Flexible classes, excellent instructors, outstanding internships and top-paying job opportunities: What more could you ask for?”

For more information about the 3D Modeling and Design program, contact Amanda Magee at amanda.magee@mgccc.edu or  Wade Ladner at wade.ladner@mgccc.edu.