The mission of the Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations is to

Equip and empower engineering students to discover, develop, and launch professional experiences and purposeful careers.

 We do so by:

  • Delivering customized, student-centered career coaching and programs
  • Curating career education resources
  • Promoting work-based learning experiences
  • Cultivating industry-focused partnerships

OUR VALUES

We seek to embody excellence in our work with students, employers, alumni, campus and community partners, and colleagues in the profession. The CDCR values:

  • ADAPTABILITY | Champions agility to meet evolving needs
  • ACCESS | Advocates for inclusive opportunities, pathways, and connections
  • INTENTIONALITY | Prioritizes strategic, data-informed decisions
  • CUSTOMIZATION | Curates tailored, individualized support and solutions
  • PROCESS-ORIENTATION | Embraces consistent, streamlined approaches that enhance clarity

 

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, group coaching, 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 Career Discovery and Success by scheduling an appointment in Handshake:

 

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

Career Development Content and Strategy

Jessica Bowers

Manager, Career Development Content and Strategy

Career Development and Corporate Relations
1333R 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 provided leadership and strategic direction for the establishment of CDCR student career development and coaching services.  Jessica now leads the CDCR’s efforts to curate, integrate, and scale career development materials and approaches at strategic intervals within the engineering student experience.

Jessica is passionate about supporting college students in the discovery, realization, and achievement of their personal, academic, and career goals. She also relishes the use of design and technology solutions to convey career stories and make career development content and approaches accessible to all students.

After the completion of her undergraduate degree, Jessica worked for a civil engineering consulting 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 the 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


Career Coaching and Programs

Marissa Miller

Assistant Director, Career Coaching & Programs

Career 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 as a career counselor and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Career Coaching & Programs, bringing 7+ years of career counseling and coaching experience. She most enjoys working individually and in group settings 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 and design their careers.  As a member of the Career Coaching & Programs team, Marissa has the rewarding opportunity of developing program content for career development workshops, including events with Engineering young alumni and industry professionals, along with the implementation of group career coaching sessions to serve Engineering students as they embark on their individualized career development process and seek experiential learning opportunities within industry.

Education:

  • Auburn University, M.Ed. in Administration of Higher Education
  • University of Florida, B.S. in Sport Management

Heather Rush

Career Coach

Career Development and Corporate Relations
1133Q 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

Jane Kim

Career Coach, Cooperative Education and Internships

Career Development and Corporate Relations
1133H Brown-Kopel Center
janekim@auburn.edujanekim@auburn.edu
334.844.6410

In May 2021, Jane joined the Career Development and Corporate Relations Office as a graduate assistant. Upon completion of her master’s degree in May 2022, Jane transitioned into the Cooperative Education and Internship Coordinator role to guide students through the career discovery process and to provide resources for student professional development. Passionate about helping students reach their full potential as young professionals, Jane works directly with students to prepare them for the co-op and internship process, provides coaching and support throughout students’ work experiences, and distributes competency assessments to strengthen the skillset of Auburn students. She works directly with co-op and internship students to provide career coaching to help students make the most of their work experiences.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Jane worked as general manager of a local business to train employees and acted as a liaison between higher-ups and high school and college-aged employees. Through this role, Jane uncovered her passion for working with students to prepare them for the world of work. Jane enjoys seeing students blossom into confident individuals as they learn more about and navigate the various career development stages.

Education:

  • Auburn University, M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
  • Auburn University, B.A. in Psychology

Susan Hatcher

Graduate Assistant, Career Development and Coaching

Career Development and Corporate Relations
1133J Brown-Kopel Center
smh0103@auburn.edusmh0103@auburn.edu
334.844.3460

Susan joined the Career Development and Corporate Relations Office in June 2022 after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology the previous spring. Currently, she is a Master’s student in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. 

Prior to her role in the CDCR, Susan’s experience includes serving in various recruiting roles, most recently in international development.  Her passion is helping students find, evolve, and apply their professional development skills in and outside the classroom.

 Education:

  • Auburn University, B.A. in Psychology

Hannah Tarwater

Graduate Assistant, Cooperative Education and Internships

Career Development and Corporate Relations
1133J Brown-Kopel Center
hgt0013@auburn.eduhgt0013@auburn.edu
334.844.2250

Hannah earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Auburn University in May 2022 and is now pursuing a master's degree in the same field. She joined the Career Development and Corporate Relations Office as a graduate assistant in August 2023. In her role, she engages with students, coaching them individually to enhance their career-related skills. Hannah's passion for education and heart for people drives her to support students in achieving their academic and vocational goals. She finds joy in contributing to the growth of the student community and in being part of the dedicated CDCR team.

Education:

  • Auburn University, B.S. in Elementary Education

 


Cooperative Education and Internships

Edie Irvin

Assistant Director, Cooperative Education and Internships

Career 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. In May 2022 she accepted the role of assistant director and oversees the operation of Auburn University’s Co-op Program and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s Internship Program. 

Edie brings more than 20 years of experience in industry and higher education. She previously worked at Mississippi State University where she served in multiple roles in Cooperative Education and Career Services. She is excited to expand both co-op and internship opportunities that move Auburn University students closer to their future career goals through valuable experience in their chosen career fields.

Edie is an active member of the Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Employers (SoACE).

Education:

  • University of Memphis, M.S. in Counseling
  • Delta State University, B.S. in Psychology


Corporate Relations

Apryl Mullins

Assistant Director, Corporate Relations

Career 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
  • Auburn University, M.Ed. in Administration of Higher Education

Leah Blair

Manager, Corporate Relations

Career Development and Corporate Relations
1133U Brown-Kopel Center
leahblair@auburn.eduleahblair@auburn.edu
334.844.4156

Leah joined the CDCR in August of 2023 as Corporate Relations Manager to steer employer communications and planning and promotion of on campus recruiting events.  Prior to joining the CDCR team, she pursued a career path into public relations and integrated marketing that includes real estate development, community engagement in healthcare, small business ownership, and fast-casual food and beverage branding.  Most recently she served as Brand Marketing Manager for Chicken Salad Chick, a national restaurant franchise that got its start in Auburn by an Auburn University graduate.

Leah is passionate about helping students find their place at Auburn and engaging with all the resources available to help with their college and career journey.  As a first-generation college graduate, she has a deep love for the University and understands the value of plugging in and exploring every avenue of personal growth and development that this Lovely Village has to offer. 

Education:

  • Auburn University, B.A. in Public Relations

Teresa Jernigan

Academic Programs Coordinator, Cooperative Education and Internships

Career 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.

Emily Kaplowitz

Corporate Relations Coordinator

Career Development and Corporate Relations
1133U Brown-Kopel Center
eck0046@auburn.edueck0046@auburn.edu
334.844.4156

Emily joined the CDCR in March of 2022 as a Corporate Relations Coordinator to assist with employer communications and planning and promotion of on campus recruiting events. One of her favorite parts of corporate relations is helping both employers and students streamline their search processes and develop creative solutions to roadblocks in their recruiting paths. Prior to moving to Auburn, she worked in a variety of project management roles in software development and residential real estate, mostly in Nashville and Chicago.

Education:

  • Vanderbilt University, B.A. in Psychology


Support Services

Jerry Van Tuyl

Administrative Assistant

Career 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