CDCR hosts engineering experience event connecting students to industry, campus resources and career pathways

The Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations (CDCR) hosted the annual Passport to Your Engineering Experience Wednesday, Jan. 21, in the Brown-Kopel Center Grand Hall, bringing together students, industry professionals and campus partners for a focused exploration of experiential learning opportunities.

Passport to Your Engineering Experience is a resource designed to help students strategically navigate opportunities to gain hands-on experience throughout their time in college. The event highlights student organizations and provides information on co-ops, internships, undergraduate research and other career-building experiences, giving students a clearer roadmap for professional growth.

“The goal was to pair the browsing session with time for intentional conversation with industry professionals,” said Brooks Triplett-Sowell, CDCR career coach. “This gave students the opportunity to receive industry advice, as well as insight from their peers. We hope they take away an early boost in understanding how to get involved and what steps to take next.”

This year’s event began with a browsing session featuring 10 student organizations, 30 industry representatives and six on-campus resources. Participating programs included Engineering Global Programs, Auburn Abroad, Weagle Workers, the IDEAS Program and three undergraduate research labs.

Attendees sat with industry professionals from 100 Women Strong and worked through a series of guided questions, a new feature introduced this year to encourage more meaningful dialogue. Conversations touched on everything from anxieties about the future to practical advice on finding internships, leaving students with clearer direction on their next steps.

“The Passport Experience gives students the chance to walk away with connections, encouragement and direction,” Triplett-Sowell said. “They gain access not only to valuable resources, but also to their peers. The College of Engineering offers opportunities everywhere and we encourage students to take full advantage of them.”

Students can find more events hosted by CDCR through Handshake.