Engineering Academic Excellence Program to launch first Professional Development Institute

The Auburn Engineering Academic Excellence Program (AEP), an academic and professional development support program geared toward underrepresented students, will launch a summer Professional Development Institute Wednesday, May 26 at 6 p.m.

Institute sessions will be hosted via Zoom and will feature several skill-building workshops encouraging career development for engineering students in all majors. Participating employers included Morgan Stanley, Lockheed Martin, Alabama Power and Microsoft.

“One of the biggest pillars in our organization is the community aspect,” said Eric Hall, AEP program coordinator. “We definitely want to make sure we have that community for our students to thrive and be successful, especially with many activities being remote right now. We had to readjust and reimagine how we can engage our students not only over the fall and spring semesters, but over the summer, as well.”

The Institute will offer eight sessions throughout the summer. During the final session, participants will be able to define and discuss career readiness competencies; be prepared for career events such as career fairs, conferences, research opportunities and networking events; and build a rapport and network with peers that will support career exploration.

“There is something for everybody,” Hall said. “No matter where a student is in their academic journey at Auburn, they can customize the institute to where they are. Whatever you are doing, whether you are working at an internship or taking summer classes, there is something you can refine or craft or add to your resume through the institute over this summer.”