Sorrell College Students gain industry insights and expand their networks through BBQ with Bankers

Students and bankers alike gathered in the John Robert Lewis Hall multipurpose room to attend the BBQ with Bankers event on Wednesday. Held every semester and sponsored by the Alabama Bankers Association, the event opens the world of banking up to students and gives them networking opportunities.

“BBQ with Bankers is a great opportunity for our students to learn more about employment opportunities in banking,” said Preston Pritchett, a lecturer and program coordinator in the Sorrell College of Business. “It also gives them a chance to rub elbows and network with bankers by getting to eat a meal and hear professional advice on how to further their careers.”

Alabama Bankers Association members speak to Sorrell College students at BBQ with Bankers.

Throughout the event, students heard presentations from industry professionals. Pritchett emphasized the importance of all students, regardless of their major, exploring the banking industry.

“Many, if not all, large organizations need people who are skilled in a variety of areas,” Pritchett said. “Being able to help students understand that this isn’t just for banking and finance majors is important.

“Banks need marketing majors, human resource majors and insurance majors and everyone can come to the table.”

Through the event, TROY has been able to develop relationships with bankers and expand its scope of connections. Bankers with ties to Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and more attended the event this semester.

Students connected with Alabama Bankers Association members in Sorrell College's BBQ with bankers. — Students connected with Alabama Bankers Association members in Sorrell College’s BBQ with bankers.

“It started with some of the financial institutions here in our area,” Pritchett said. “Since then, it’s spread out and we’re partnered with the Alabama Bankers Association.

“Banks represented today have reaches across the Southeast and even nationally, so there’s definitely more opportunity for our students if they want to move outside the state.”

The Alabama Bankers Association sponsors the event and ensures plenty of bankers are there to speak with students and give them advice.

“We’re very thankful to partner with the bankers association here in Alabama,” Pritchett said. “They’re very faithful to have amazing representatives come every semester and provide the meal at no cost to our students.”