About Us
Connect with us to discuss major and career choices, resume and cover letter writing techniques, interview preparation, internship and job search strategies, and more. We look forward to helping you design your future engineering career.
Our mission is to equip and empower engineering students to discover, develop, and launch professional experiences and purposeful careers.
We do so by:
- Providing customized, student-centered career development coaching and resources
- Cultivating industry-focused partnerships.
WHO WE SERVE
The CDCR serves all degree-seeking students in the College of Engineering in all majors, years, and degree levels.
We encourage students to take advantage of panels, workshops, career events throughout the year. When you are ready to meet with a career coach for one-on-one support, schedule an appointment in HANDSHAKE.
CAREER DISCOVERY AND SUCCESS
Engineering students may also access services provided by the Auburn University Office of Career Discovery and Success. Specifically, the following services are not available through Engineering CDCR but can be accessed in the University Career Center
ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATIONS
The CDCR is committed to accommodating the diverse needs of students in the College of Engineering. If you or someone you know requires an accommodation for a disability in order to fully access the format, materials, or presentation of our resources, please contact our office at 334-844-2250 so we can explore potential options. Students with disabilities may also wish to work with the Auburn Office of Accessibility to discuss a range of approaches to removing potential barriers at the CDCR, including official accommodations. Please visit their website for information on this process and to apply for services. If you have already been approved for accommodations through the Accessibility Office, please let us know so we can develop a plan together.
MEET OUR STAFF
Jessica Bowers
Manager, Career Development & CoachingCareer Development and Corporate Relations
1333Q Brown-Kopel Center
jgb0036@auburn.edujgb0036@auburn.edu
334.844.7599
In August 2018, Jessica moved to Alabama and joined the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering in its endeavor to launch an Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations (CDCR). She leads the CDCR's efforts to provide career development and coaching for Auburn Engineering students.
Jessica is passionate about supporting college students in the discovery, realization, and achievement of their personal, academic, and career goals. She also relishes in the use of design and technology solutions to convey career stories and make career development practices accessible to all students.
After completion of her undergraduate degree, Jessica worked for a civil engineering consultant firm in Charlotte, North Carolina before entering graduate school. Since then, she served in a variety of roles in academic and career advising at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville and University of Virginia.
Education:
- University of Tennessee - Knoxville, M.S. in College Student Personnel
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, B.A. in Organizational Communications and Psychology
Edie Irvin
Cooperative Education and Internship Coordinator IIICareer Development and Corporate Relations
1133N Brown-Kopel Center
edie.irvin@auburn.eduedie.irvin@auburn.edu
334.844.5410
In September of 2019, Edie moved to Auburn and joined the Co-op Program as a Cooperative Education Coordinator. She is excited to work with Auburn University students to find co-op opportunities that fulfill their desire for experience in their chosen career field and help to meet future career goals.
Edie previously worked at Mississippi State University where she served in multiple roles in Cooperative Education and Career Services. She brings more than 20 years of experience in industry and higher education. Her favorite role is working directly with students to discover careers and build professional development skills. She completed the National Resume Writers’ Association Professional Resume Writing training and enjoys guiding Auburn University students in building competitive resumes.
Education:
- University of Memphis, M.S. in Counseling
- Delta State University, B.S. in Psychology
Teresa Jernigan
Administrative Assistant II, AcademicsCareer Development and Corporate Relations
1133T Brown-Kopel Center
taj0009@auburn.edutaj0009@auburn.edu
334.844.5410
Teresa has been a member of the Cooperative Education team since Spring 2013. She functions as the central processing unit for the Auburn University Co-op Program, ensuring that student records for work and school rotations are accurate each semester. She is also responsible for most of the behind-the-scenes work associated with our main co-op recruiting event, Co-op Interview Day.
Teresa brings 24 years of experience as an Accounts Payable Clerk for Flower’s Foods (Sunbeam Bread) in Opelika. She enjoys watching students develop as they come through the co-op program and presenting them with the highly coveted co-op t-shirt at the successful completion of each work term.
Jane Kim
Graduate Assistant, Cooperative Education and InternshipsCareer Development and Corporate Relations
1133J Brown-Kopel Center
janekim@auburn.edujanekim@auburn.edu
334.844.2250
In May 2021, Jane joined the Career Development and Corporate Relations Office after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2019. Following graduation, she worked in human resources, training and managing high school and college-aged employees. Currently, she is a second-year Master’s student in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Her career goal is to enter the world of higher education and help students understand their unique abilities and how to apply those abilities to their professional careers.
Passionate about helping students reach their full potential as young professionals, Jane works with the Co-op and Internship Program staff to distribute competency assessments, facilitate student growth, and strengthen the skillset of Auburn engineering students. She enjoys working directly with co-op and internship students and advising them on making the most of their full-time work experiences.
Education:
- Auburn University, B.A. in Psychology
Marissa Miller
Career CounselorCareer Development and Corporate Relations
1133P Brown-Kopel Center
mas0075@auburn.edumas0075@auburn.edu
334.844.2272
Marissa joined the Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations in December 2019. She is excited to continue serving as a career counselor for undergraduate and graduate engineering students and looks forward to working within the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.
Previously, Marissa served as a career counselor within the University Career Center, as well as the Exploratory Advising Center here on Auburn’s campus. She most enjoys working individually with students and supporting them in their career exploration journey, along with ensuring she can assist in finding resources and opportunities as students seek rewarding ways to pursue their interests.
Education:
- Auburn University, M.Ed. in Administration of Higher Education
- University of Florida, B.S. in Sport Management
Apryl Mullins
Assistant Director, Corporate RelationsCareer Development and Corporate Relations
1133S Brown-Kopel Center
apryl.mullins@auburn.eduapryl.mullins@auburn.edu
334.844.2578
In July 2018, Apryl joined the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering in its endeavor to create an Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations (CDCR) to serve Auburn engineering students. Apryl leads the CDCR's efforts to establish and deepen relationships with employers. Her goal is educate students about the world of work and connect them with a broad range of industry opportunities.
While Apryl joined the CDCR in 2018, this is not her first introduction to the College of Engineering. She has more than 20 years of experience at Auburn University where she has served in a variety of roles within the Office of Development and Office of Alumni Affairs. She spent the majority of that time in the College of Engineering and refers to it as her second home!
Education:
- Auburn University, B.A. in Corporate Journalism
Heather Rush
Career CoachCareer Development and Corporate Relations
1133P Brown-Kopel Center
hlr0024@auburn.eduhlr0024@auburn.edu
334.844.2250
Heather joined the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering in summer 2021. She serves as a Career Coach and helps students with their overall career exploration and development. She believes everyone has their own unique story and enjoys helping students tell that story to employers, whether it is through a resume, cover letter, interview, or networking with employers.
Heather brings close to 20 years of experience in higher education in various roles. Her passion is helping students find their path as they discover and achieve their career goals. She enjoys creating opportunities for students to explore their interests and challenge them to see what they can accomplish.
Heather is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW).
Education:
- The University of Georgia, M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration
- Georgia Southern University, B.S. in Business Administration – Marketing
Jerry Van Tuyl
Administrative AssistantCareer Development and Corporate Relations
1133A Brown-Kopel Center
jrv0015@auburn.edujrv0015@auburn.edu
334.844.2250
Jerry joined the Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations in Fall 2019 upon the opening of the CDCR space in the Brown-Kopel Student Center. Jerry is often the first face students and employers see at the CDCR. He always greets visitors with a smile and a warm welcome. Jerry also supports the operations of the office by assisting employers upon check-in for their on-campus interviews and directing visitors to resources.
Prior to his role in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Jerry served for 38 years in training and management roles in the quick service industry including his role as Director of Training and Recruitment for Chick-Fil-A on Magnolia Avenue. He was most drawn to the CDCR based on his past experience training and developing college-aged employees in the service industry.
Education:
- Iowa Wesleyan University, B.A. in History and Political Science
Charlie Wilder
Associate Director, Cooperative Education and InternshipsCareer Development and Corporate Relations
1133U Brown-Kopel Center
charliewilder@auburn.educharliewilder@auburn.edu
334.844.5410
Charlie joined the Auburn Family in Spring 2019. His role is to oversee the operation of Auburn University’s Co-op Program and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s Internship Program.
Prior to his role at Auburn, Charlie was a liaison to the Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State University, serving in both a student-facing and employer-facing role for several years. While there, he taught a professional development course for mechanical engineering students, developed a statistical model to predict the influence of co-op experience and GPA on post-graduation employment, and wrote a doctoral dissertation on mentoring and organizational commitment for co-op students.
Charlie is an active member of the Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA) and is a Past President of the Southern Association of Colleges and Employers (SoACE).
Education:
- Mississippi State University, Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and Workforce Development
- Mississippi State University, M.S. in Counselor Education
- Mississippi State University, B.S. in Educational Psychology
Gracyn Wistoski
Graduate Assistant, Career Development and CoachingCareer Development and Corporate Relations
1133H Brown-Kopel Center
gpw0011@auburn.edugpw0011@auburn.edu
334.844.2250
Gracyn joined the Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations in May 2021 as a Graduate Assistant. In that capacity, she serves as a Career Coach working with undergraduate and graduate students in their first year at Auburn through the stage of securing their first professional role after Auburn. Gracyn is excited to help Auburn Engineering students explore their strengths, skills, values, and experiences to assist in their career development process.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Gracyn worked in the mental health field in various roles. Gracyn is currently in progress to complete a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Although her background is in mental health, her graduate education includes career counseling courses. She is excited to use her counseling skills in the realm of career development and to support students throughout their academic and career journeys.
Education:
- University of North Georgia, B.S. in Psychology
