See Where Opportunities are Made.
We offer college programs that help us build future leaders.
75 Associates
The average number of full-time associates and summer interns we hire each year in North America.
20 Universities & Colleges
The number of schools we hired from during the 2018-2019 college season in North America
14 Businesses
The number of Sonoco business units that look to hire into their programs
21%
Percentage of our Leadership Team who came from our intern or training program(s).
Emerging Leaders Program
Full-Time Associates: Your career journey begins here.
The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) look similar but different depending on what business unit you join. Your title may be a Manufacturing Associate, Rotational Finance Analyst, Supply Chain Associate, Sales Associate or even an R&D or Technical Engineer.
The core of the program remains the same. The programs typically last 12-18 months where you'll develop your skills by working on impactful projects in focused areas such as Safety, Budgeting, Mentorship, Accountability, Risk Taking, Communication, Collaboration and Innovation.
We provide medical benefits, retirement benefits, relocation assistance and much more!
Internships: Try us out for the summer.
Our Internship Program is designed to be a stepping stone into a full-time associate role in the ELP. Our programs last approximately 12 weeks and you'll do similar work to full-time associates, but on a shortened timeline. We assist with housing and relocation costs, because we know college students have a tight budget.
We'll provide opportunities through the summer to connect and engage with other summer associates across the company as well as senior leaders, either through our annual Summer Event, or through connecting you to our Diversity & Unity resource groups.
Each of our divisions use this time to 'test the waters' with the hope that you head back to campus with another offer in hand!
Upcoming Events
Whether it's a career fair, information session, networking event or club/organization meeting, we want to meet you!
Click one of the links below to learn more and register for an event near you!
The Citadel - October 13, 2020
Clemson University Virtual Fall Career Fairs - Business - October 1, 2020
Clemson University Virtual Fall Career Fairs - STEM - September 29, 2020
Georgia Tech All Majors Career Fair - September 21, 2020
Miami Ohio Engineering/STEM Fair - September 10, 2020
Michigan State Virtual Engineering Exchange - September 11, 2020
Michigan State - Careers in STEM 2020 - September 30, 2020
Mississippi State Career Fair - September 22, 2020
North Carolina State Fall Engineering Fair - September 16, 2020
Purdue Industrial Roundtable - September 14, 2020
University of South Carolina Business Expo - September 23, 2020
University of South Carolina Career & Internship Virtual Fair - September 24, 2020
University of Tennessee Knoxville Engineering/STEM Fair - September 28, 2020
University of Tennessee Knoxville Supply Chain Management Fair - September 29, 2020
Wake Forest - Diversity Matter - September 15, 2020
Wake Forest Career Fair - September 16, 2020
University of Wisconsin Stout Packaging/STEM Fair - September 29, 2020
Who We Hire: Manufacturing in a Lean Industry.
We value all perspectives and backgrounds, and look for qualities and characteristics that fit the Sonoco culture first and foremost. However, there are specific majors that tend to fit our needs better than others. Don't see your major listed? That's okay, still check out our openings to see if you might fit a specific role.
Have a Question? We have the Answers!
1. What is Sonoco's Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)?
The Emerging Leaders Program is designed for college students or graduates to gain the skills and experience they need to quick start their career. There are two types of positions within the Emerging Leaders Program, summer internships and full-time opportunities. Open positions vary each year when it comes to departments and divisions.
2. What sets our program apart from others?
Our Emerging Leaders Program has been around for over 40 years! Our program is not only project-based but extremely hands-on, giving participants the opportunity to take what's been learned in the classroom and former internships and apply it to real world business situations. Our ELP participants have the chance to make true impacts from day one.
Every person in the program will have opportunities to become experienced in the following areas:
- Leadership Training
- Various technical skills based on the area of focus
- Business Insights
- Cultural Integration
Former ELP members have continued to thrive with Sonoco and have progressed to a variety of positions including Plant Managers, Financial Analysts, Account Development Engineers, and more! Many of our current Sonoco leaders began their journey as part of the Emerging Leaders Program.
3. Where will I be located?
Locations of openings vary each year. Some positions are located at our global headquarters in Hartsville, SC, while some positions are in our other U.S. locations including, but not limited to, Chicago, Memphis, and Orlando. The job postings which are available to view in August, show specific location details. We also assist with relocation costs.
4. Do interns get paid?
The answer is YES! All internships are paid and we also help with a summer housing allowance.
5. What does the timeline look like?
Applications for intern and full-time associate positions are available starting in August each year and can be completed online. We are looking for December or May graduates for open full-time associate positions, which will start in January or June the following year. Summer internship positions typically run from May - August.
6. Who can I contact if I have specific questions about Sonoco's ELP?
Sonoco's University Relations Coordinator is here to help!
Career Fairs & Beyond.
View OpportunitiesHear their stories.
A Glimpse into Life at Sonoco
Meet the Sonoco Recruiting team.
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Erica B.
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Caroline W.
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Kelly H.
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Peter L.
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Brittany P.
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Erin J.
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Jackie F.
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Sarah V.
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Holly M.