Auburn Engineering hosted its second Automotive and Motorsports Industry Day on October 6, connecting 181 students with 13 employers seeking engineering talent for internships, co-ops, and full-time positions. This event, organized by the Career Development and Corporate Relations (CDCR) office, offers an intimate setting for recruiting and networking within the automotive and motorsports industries.
Director of Corporate Relations, Apryl Mullins, emphasized that this smaller, industry-specific format allows for more meaningful interactions between students and employers compared to larger career fairs. The event not only matches hiring companies with job-seeking students but also educates attendees on industry expectations and fosters focused conversations.
Aerospace engineering junior Allie Kolber highlighted the advantage of in-person meetings, stating that they provide direct access to hiring decision-makers, offering insights that online applications cannot. Employers also benefit from these interactions, as Roger Baird from Mercedes-Benz noted that Auburn students are consistently well-prepared.
The day featured a keynote from Alba Colón, Technical Partnerships Director at Hendrick Motorsports, who underscored the importance of teamwork and communication alongside technical skills for success in motorsports.
Following the event, several companies stayed on campus for next-day interviews, demonstrating the effectiveness of CDCR’s efforts to connect students with career opportunities. Mullins expressed pride in facilitating these important connections, contributing to the students’ futures.