Written by: Grace McQuirter
Empowering Students Through Real-World Experience
PACCAR’s partnership with the Mississippi State University EcoCAR team extends far beyond sponsorship; it represents a shared commitment to student development and hands-on learning. As a national sponsor of the EcoCAR EV Challenge, PACCAR supports participating universities by helping students gain valuable industry experience and professional exposure. Through opportunities such as Team Appreciation Night, resume review sessions, and mentorship, PACCAR plays an important role in preparing the next generation of engineers, innovators, and leaders.
For student Jessika Chin Quee, lead of the MSU EcoCAR Mobility Challenge subteam, the partnership was more than an opportunity; it was the spark that ignited a professional journey rooted in one transformative conversation.
Building Connections Through EcoCAR
Jessika first met LaToya Williams, Recruiter at PACCAR, during the Year 1 Fall Workshop in Sacramento, California. LaToya, who has been with PACCAR for almost five years and has represented the company at EcoCAR events for the past four, leads recruitment initiatives and career outreach efforts. She has attended multiple Team Appreciation Nights across the competition and frequently represents PACCAR at career fairs and industry events, including those hosted at Mississippi State University.
“I approached her table with interest in the many different programs they had and asked how someone pursuing a business degree could contribute and also learn,” Jessika recalled. “Every single workshop, I would reach out to her and learn more about what PACCAR had to offer until I landed an internship in Year 2, Summer of 2024.”
Jessika said LaToya’s enthusiasm and authenticity made a lasting impression. “The enthusiasm and passion in LaToya’s voice really brought forth how the PACCAR experience is educational and beneficial to students,” she said. “She was very transparent and encouraging as she also shared her own story of how PACCAR gave her the opportunity and experience to grow in her career.”
Hands-On Learning and Growth at PACCAR
In the summer of 2024, Jessika interned at PACCAR Engine Company in Columbus, Mississippi, as a Safety Human Resources Intern. She chose this position because it aligned with her work in user-centered design on the EcoCAR project and allowed her to integrate her business background in a new environment.
Her projects included launching the Envoy visitor management system, identifying areas within the plant that posed safety risks to employees and visitors, and organizing an employee engagement event to increase inclusion and productivity. “It was uncomfortable at first, but I’m glad I did it because I grew so much,” she said. “My EcoCAR experience taught me to think critically about safety, usability, and teamwork, which directly prepared me for this role.”
Through EcoCAR, Jessika learned how to identify potential issues early, assess and track risks, and prioritize the needs of stakeholders, all skills that translated directly into her work at PACCAR. “That mindset helped me evaluate safety concerns at PACCAR with an ‘employee comes first’ approach,” she explained.
Growth Beyond Comfort Zones
Jessika discovered through her experience that true growth starts outside of her comfort zone. “My connection with PACCAR through EcoCAR showed me that growth will often begin when comfort ends,” she said. “EcoCAR taught me how to embrace new challenges, and PACCAR taught me how to bridge business, safety, and engineering principles while always keeping people at the center of my work, making an impact wherever I am.”
The internship also changed how Jessika views her future career. “It allowed me to open my mind that I can apply myself anywhere I go,” she said. “Whether it be in an office or a manufacturing plant, I have learned that adaptability and the eagerness to learn are two of my strongest assets.”
PACCAR’s Commitment to Workforce Development
When asked why PACCAR chooses to support programs like EcoCAR and how this partnership helps build a strong future workforce through hands-on learning and student development, LaToya shared:
“At PACCAR, we’re proud to support the EcoCAR program because it cultivates the next generation of innovators in advanced vehicle development. The students bring fresh perspectives, technical excellence, and passion for solving real-world challenges, qualities that align perfectly with our commitment to engineering, innovation, and workforce growth.”
PACCAR’s ongoing involvement, from national sponsorship and career workshops to mentorship and internships, helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry experience. For students like Jessika, that connection has opened doors, built confidence, and inspired a mindset focused on continuous learning and impact.
