CDCR to host Aerospace and Biotechnology Industry Days in October

Students looking for careers in the aerospace and biotechnology engineering fields will soon have the opportunity to meet employers looking to hire the next generation of Auburn graduates.  

Auburn Engineering’s Career Development and Corporate Relations (CDCR) office will host Aerospace Industry Day on Oct. 1 and Biotechnology Industry Day on Oct. 16. Both will take place from noon to 3 p.m. at the Brown-Kopel Center Grand Hall.

“These events aim to initiate, develop and deepen industry partnerships, showcasing the interest and talent of Auburn students to companies and organizations,” according to Apryl Mullins, CDCR assistant director for corporate relations.

Additionally, these industry days allow Auburn faculty to connect with companies on future research and grant collaborations.

The events will feature three stages: a meet-and-greet between faculty members and company representatives, a networking lunch where students can learn about each company through presentations and a browse session for in-depth conversations between students and company representatives.

Companies and organizations in attendance will share information about co-op, internship and full-time career opportunities for students, and how they can become involved with industry leaders.

The biotechnology industry day is a collaboration with the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, College of Agriculture and the College of Sciences and Mathematics.

Brad Cates, director of demand realization at Evonik, one of the world’s leading specialty chemical companies, said the industry day provides a unique opportunity for students learn about specific industries while talking to potential employers.

“Biotechnology Industry Day provides an excellent forum to foster student, faculty and industry interactions and connections, and the Evonik team is excited to be a part of this wonderful event,” Cates said.  

Companies attending the biotechnology industry day include:

• Avanti Polar Lipids
• Evonik Birmingham Laboratories
• Johnson & Johnson
• Labcorp
• Sanders and KW Companies
• SouthernBiotech

Brian Thurow, chair of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Auburn, said aerospace represents one of the largest sectors of Alabama’s economy with the aerospace industry employing students from all engineering majors.

“Alabama employs more aerospace engineers on a per capita basis than any other state in the country,” Thurow said. “It is fitting to have an industry day focused specifically on such an important part of the state and nation’s economy.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for aerospace engineers across the United States in May 2023 was $64.58 an hour and $134,330 annually.

Companies and organizations attending the aerospace industry day include:

• Airbus
• GE Aerospace
• Georgia Tech Research Institute
• Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
• Jacobs Technology
• Lockheed Martin
• Missile Defense Agency
• NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
• People Tec
• Reliable MircoSystems
• RTX – Pratt & Whitney
• SpaceX
• Technology Service Corporation
• U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Attendees are encouraged to dress business casual, and lunch will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins are welcome, but students are required to register for lunch before the date.

Students can find the list of attending companies and organizations, a timeline of each day, registration details and preparation tips on Handshake and Career Fair Plus.