MCC alumna shares career journey during National Chemistry Week
A classroom assignment at Meridian Community College opened the door to a career Haleigh McNeil never expected to find so close to home.
Now a product technology chemist with Atlas Roofing, McNeil returned to MCC's campus as a guest speaker for National Chemistry Week, sharing how her education and an internship helped launch her career in polymer science.
A graduate of Enterprise High School, McNeil originally planned to study chemical engineering before discovering the polymer science program at the University of Southern Mississippi.
She chose to begin her education at MCC, where she spent two years and participated in the Honors College.
"Best decision I ever made," McNeil said.
McNeil noted it an Honors College leadership assignment that introduced her to Atlas Roofing. Tasked with shadowing a professional in her intended career field, McNeil discovered the company employed polymer engineers in Meridian.
She arranged a visit, and before the day ended, she was offered an internship.
After completing three summer internships with Atlas and earning her degree from Southern Miss, McNeil joined the company full time. Nearly nine years later, she remains with Atlas.
"I owe me having my job to Honors College," she said.
During her presentation, McNeil introduced students to polymers, large molecules found in everyday materials ranging from plastics and rubber to natural substances such as DNA.
She also discussed her work in research and development for Atlas Web Technologies, where she helps troubleshoot manufacturing problems, test materials, and develop products used in the roofing and construction industries.
"My environment from day to day is always changing," she said.
McNeil explained that polymer science offers career opportunities in a wide range of industries, including medicine, cosmetics, sporting goods, and manufacturing.
She also shared about the laboratory testing process, internship opportunities, and the role of chemistry and mathematics in her profession.
Reflecting on her own experience, McNeil encouraged students to seek internships and explore their career interests before graduation.
"If you ever have an opportunity to go work in a field that you think that you might want to do, definitely do it," she said.
For McNeil, that opportunity not only confirmed her career choice but also gave her the motivation to complete a challenging degree.
Her message to students was simple: Hands-on experience can help turn an academic interest into a career.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.