Hiring interior designers and statistical analysts aren't the first needs that come to mind when most think of rebuilding a basketball program.
But those positions, alongside roles as student managers, video production assistants and marketing assistants, are just what new men's basketball head coach Bruce Pearl is hoping to fill with Auburn students.
"When you think about sports in this country and what a big business it has obviously become, if you are able to become a part of this brand, you are so much more marketable," Pearl said.
An estimated crowd of 150 students and faculty were on hand Monday evening in the Auburn Arena to gather information on potential job openings in the Auburn basketball program.
Pulling on his own experience as a student assistant at Boston College, Pearl encouraged students to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their resume.
"If you're any good at what you do, chances are you had a pretty good teacher," Pearl said. "Just the ability to come to our practices, or Coach Williams-Flournoy's practice, will be incredibly valuable to you as you try to build your portfolio and your base of understanding for the game. You're welcome to come into my classroom in that practice facility."
From the design and furniture of his basketball offices down to the name of the student section, Pearl said he wanted student opinions involved in the future rebranding of the Auburn program.
"If you put your hands on the Auburn brand, regardless of what it is, men or women, you are more hirable by that university or country," Pearl said. "I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this."
Jonathan Wade, who was a student manager under former head coach Tony Barbee, said the change in student interest since Pearl's hiring has been tremendous.
"Last year, just looking around at how many people were here, it was kind of a sad turnout," Wade said. "It's kind of a prestigious program. Even though it's not one of the top programs right now, it could be."
Though many in attendance said they weren't sure exactly how they'd get involved, Rick Perez, a freshman in pre-business, said it was an exciting opportunity for students in many fields.
"Coach Pearl really seems determined to get a lot of students involved and in all different phases," said Perez. "I don't know specifically, because I'm just a freshman, but I'm interested in helping or marketing the program."
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