UMO Students Get Inside Look at Careers During SAS Visit
March 31, 2026
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE – A group of University of Mount Olive (UMO) students recently stepped outside the classroom and into one of North Carolina’s most innovative workplaces, visiting SAS in Raleigh to see what careers in data, business, analytics, and technology really look like.
The visit was organized by Dr. Karl Reimers and Dr. Robert Watson, with strong support from Tillman School of Business Dean Dr. Kathy T. Best. The tour provided students with direct exposure to internships and career opportunities in a range of fields.
A global leader in analytics, SAS generates more than $3 billion in annual revenue and plays a major role in how organizations use data to make decisions. “SAS is a premier analytics company that uses artificial and business intelligence to solve real-world problems,” Watson said. “It is important for students to see firsthand how data drives decision-making across business, government, and society.”
Throughout the day, students heard directly from SAS employees about their career paths, what the company looks for in new hires, and gained practical insights on how to excel in a competitive job market. A panel discussion encouraged engaging questions, followed by informal conversations with SAS employees.
One of the most beneficial highlights was the optional résumé reviews with SAS recruiters. Students received personalized, constructive feedback that helped them better showcase their skills and understand employer expectations. “They walked away with a strong appreciation for the importance of not only having valuable skills, but presenting them clearly and effectively,” Reimers noted.
Students took part in a “Dream Job Generator” activity, helping them connect their interests and goals with potential career paths, and attended a session called “The SAS Life: Your Career Journey,” which emphasized growth, creativity, and learning through experience.
A campus tour showcased SAS’s commitment to employee well-being with an on-site health care center, a large fitness and recreation facility, and a variety of spaces designed to support both productivity and work-life balance.
For many students, one of the biggest surprises was the range of career options available. “It’s not all about coding,” Reimers said. “There are outstanding roles in accounting, marketing, finance, human resources, and more—areas that beautifully connect with what our business students are studying at UMO.”
That connection to the classroom was clear throughout the visit. Concepts from courses in business analytics, programming, and core business disciplines came to life in a real-world setting. “Experiences like this help students see why their coursework matters,” Reimers said. “It takes learning beyond the classroom and opens their eyes to what’s possible.”
Students also had the chance to network with SAS professionals and connect with peers from other universities. Each student also had the opportunity to apply for at least one internship with the company.
Watson emphasized that visits like this are about more than just exposure. “They help students understand workplace culture, expectations, and the well-rounded skills needed to thrive,” he said. “Technical knowledge is important, but so are strong communication skills, teamwork, and a willingness to go above and beyond. Companies like SAS are looking for curious, creative individuals who take initiative.”
Looking ahead, the University of Mount Olive continues to strengthen partnerships with innovative companies like SAS through career fairs, internship programs, and closer alignment between academic coursework and industry needs. “Seeing a place like SAS makes a real difference,” Reimers concluded. “It helps students envision their bright future and how they can contribute to it.”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
