'BBQ with Bankers' provides networking opportunities that could lead to job offers for Sorrell College students

A business school tradition continued March 29 as the Sorrell College of Business’s 360 Center hosted “BBQ with Bankers,” a seminar where about 80 students got a chance to hear from banking executives engaged in all phases of the industry.

TROY alumnus and former football player Dylan Bradshaw talks about his experiences as a banker. (TROY photo/Joey Meredith)

This year’s speakers were Fred Leopold, Community Bank; Taylor Boggs, First Bank of Alabama; Steve Sanders, First Citizens Bank of Luverne; Eric Lee, Brantley Bank and Trust; Dylan Bradshaw, Troy Bank and Trust; and Elizabeth Joyner, CB&S Bank.

The event was moderated by Ashley Thomas of the Alabama Bankers Association, who co-hosted with the Sorrell College.

“No matter what your interest is in business, those areas are found within the banking industry – it’s so much more than being a teller or a loan officer,” she said. “Banks can give you an avenue to work in a field you enjoy.”

Dylan Bradshaw played center for the Troy Trojans and was a Sun Belt Conference Academic All-American when he was in school. He completed a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2020, his senior season when he was ranked 15^th nationally among centers with at least 300 snaps. In 2022, he completed a Master of Strategic Management in Business Management. Today, he’s a commercial loan officer at TB&T.

“I did an internship with Troy Bank and Trust in wealth management. I thought that’s really what I wanted to do, and I found out I didn’t like it as much,” he said. “I discovered I could still work at TB&T in an area I enjoyed better and started out as a commercial lending trainee.”

Bradshaw challenged the students to explore the possibilities their various business degree programs could have in relation to banking.

Sorrell College Dean Dr. Judson Edwards welcomed students and guest speakers to the BBQ with Bankers event, co-hosted with the Alabama Bankers Association. (TROY photo/Joey Meredith)

“Banks utilize all sorts of degree programs in the daily activities, from compliance to HR to accounting. It’s so much more than just lending or handling your customers’ needs,” he said.

Following formal presentations and a question-and-answer session, the students were treated to a BBQ lunch with the bankers and had a chance to get better acquainted with them.

Sorrell College Dean Dr. Judson Edwards said the event helps business students connect with industry representative.

“The event provides a valuable networking experience for our students, which really assists them as they search for internships and full-time employment,” he said. “We value our relationship with the Alabama Bankers Association and are so proud of the many Sorrell College alumni employed as banking professionals throughout Alabama.”