University Recruiting

See Where Opportunities are Made.

We offer college programs that help us build future leaders.

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75 Associates

The average number of full-time and summer associates we hire each year in North America.

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20 Universities & Colleges

The number of schools we hired from during the 2018-2019 college season in North America

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14 Businesses

The number of Sonoco business units that look to hire into their programs

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21%

Percentage of our Leadership Team who came from our intern or training program(s).

Employees Talking

Emerging Leaders Program

The Sonoco Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is for students either seeking a summer "intern" position or a full-time opportunity. Each Sonoco division has a uniqueness about them, but each one has a program that is designed and guided by the same core competencies; Technical Skills, Leadership Training, Business Insights and Cultural Integration. We have opportunities across functions such as Manufacturing & Operations, Research & Development, Accounting & Finance, Supply Chain Management and Sales.

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!

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Sonoco Employee

Try us out for the summer.

Our Summer Associate 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!

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Group Photo

Get to know your "class" and Sonoco.

Each summer we bring all associates (full-time and summer) together at our Corporate HQ in Hartsville, SC. They spend two and a half days networking, learning from senior leaders, giving back to the community and participating in team building activities. The goal of the event is to showcase the Sonoco culture and introduce them to how their roles impact the bigger Sonoco picture. 

Sessions include a panel discussion with our Sonoco Young Professional group, to a Q&A with our CEO and/or Executive team, as well as "What I wish I knew in my 20's" or "Career Mapping" presentations.

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Sonoco Panel Discussion

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. 

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Sonoco Employees

Hear their stories.

One core piece of our culture is Development. The Emerging Leaders Program is designed to train you to grow as a future leader by providing you the opportunity to acquire new skills, work in teams, and lead projects. The exposure and experiences your receive are the catalyst to your growth.

Want to know more about the projects you can work on? Hear it from current and former summer and full-time associates.

Employees at Job Fair

Where can you find us?

To support our 160+ operations in North America, we host or attend 60+ campus events every fall season. Whether it's a career fair, information session, networking event or club/organization meeting, we want to meet you!

Some of the schools we attend include the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, Michigan State University, The Citadel, NC State, University of Tennessee, and many more throughout the entire United States! Check with your schools career center to see if we're coming to your campus this year.

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Meet the Sonoco Recruiting team.

  • Sonoco Employee

    Kristi R.

    Lead, Talent Brand & University Relations
    Alma Mater: Francis Marion University
    "Remember to interview the company as much as they're interviewing you. You want to make the right decision!"

  • Sonoco Employee

    Caroline W.

    Coordinator, Talent Brand & University Relations
    Alma Mater: Clemson University
    "Practice your interview skills with a friend or professor. Your career services department is also a great resource."

  • Sonoco Employee

    Erica B.

    Talent Acquisition Lead
    Alma Mater: Winthrop University & University of South Carolina
    "Keep your resume up-to-date with all relevant projects and accomplishments."

  • Sonoco Employee

    Kelly H.

    Talent Acquisition Lead
    Alma Mater: Francis Marion University
    "Come to the interview with some intelligent questions for the interviewer that demonstrate your knowledge of the company as well as your serious intent."

  • Sonoco Employee

    Peter L.

    Talent Acquisition Business Partner
    Alma Mater: University of California, Davis
    "Sending thank you notes after the interview is always recommended and can be the deciding factor between two stellar candidates."

  • Sonoco Empluyee

    Brittany P.

    Talent Acquisition Business Partner
    Alma Mater: Western Illinois University
    "Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification before you answer interview questions."

  • Sonoco Employee

    Judi L.

    Talent Acquisition Business Partner
    Alma Mater: Lander University
    “Don’t forget the power of your body language and energy when interviewing in-person."

  • Sonoco Employee

    Erin J.

    Talent Acquisition Business Partner
    Alma Mater: Clemson University
    "If you are doing a phone interview – make sure you are in a quiet place and have good service if you are using your cell phone."

  • Sonoco Employee

    Jackie F.

    Talent Acquisition Business Partner
    Alma Mater: University of Central Florida
    "Have a strong elevator speech to sell yourself to the interviewer when they ask you to share more about yourself."

  • Sonoco Employee

    Sarah V.

    Talent Acquisition Business Partner
    Alma Mater: University of South Carolina
    "Be sure to read the job description and tailor your resume or interview stories to the needs of the role."