The career center welcomed all majors to their 10th annual cookout on the Greenspace from 11-1 today.
Students were given the chance to meet with local Alabama employers in hopes of learning more about what jobs and internships are available for them. Even Aubie came out to enjoy the free food and fun atmosphere.
"This is a great opportunity for students who are looking for any type of job or internship," said director of the Career Center, Nancy Bernard. "These companies are looking to hire Auburn students, and if they get out there an make an effort to meet the employers there could be a great job out there for them."
Ten companies sponsored the event by donating money in exchange for a table and a chance to meet with interested students.
Junior in business administration Hunter McLain came to the cookout to speak with Sherwin-Williams Company, one of the employers to sponsor the event.
"I'm really hoping to talk with them about an internship," McLain said. "Oh, to enjoy the free food of course."
Working the Sherwin-Williams table was Auburn alumni Davdrex Reid who has been working for the company since he graduated in 2010.
"I actually got my job through the career cookout," Reid said. "I went and checked it out and spoke with someone and I got a job offer two days later."
International Paper has made Auburn one of their target schools in searching for employees.
"We have two paper mills that are about 45 minutes away from Auburn, so it's easy for Auburn students to complete an internship with us while going to school," said Kim Wirth, an employee at International Paper.
The career cookout was not only for students interested in jobs and internships, but students looking to get involved with volunteering as well.
Auburn University's Outreach organization joined the cook off to encourage Auburn students to get involved with one of their many organizations.
"Students can join a mailing list on auburnserve.com and anytime there is a volunteer opportunity in our community, they are notified," said Joyce Thomas-Vinson, coordinator of service learning and student engagement.
The event featured a raffle for a chance to win Auburn-themed prizes.
"We have about 10 prizes over in the office," said Melvin K. Smith, coordinator of special events. "We've got some really great Auburn-themed stuff to give away."
The career center has been preparing a year in advance for this event with the hopes that students will be active in reaching out to employers.
"I've been with this event since the beginning and it has only grown over time," Bernard said.
Other companies who sponsored the event were Atel Inc., Alabama Department of Public Safety, Enterprise Holding, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Georgia-Pacific, International Paper Company, Neptune Technology Group Inc., Sherwin-Williams Company, Southern Company and Auburn University Outreach.
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