Careers at Sonoco
Emerging Leaders Program
Sonoco’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is your pathway to becoming one of Sonoco’s future business leaders. For over four decades, this selective program has been a cornerstone of career growth for professionals starting their journey with us.
Grounded in our mission to empower emerging leaders to excel as leaders, teammates, and followers who consistently do the right thing, ELP offers full-time positions designed for recent college graduates that go beyond a traditional first job. Over 24 months, associates gain hands-on experience, personalized leadership development, and coaching tailored to their unique strengths — all while building connections with other emerging leaders across the company.
With access to our diverse portfolio of businesses, ELP associates are empowered to shape their careers, contribute to Sonoco’s culture, and deliver meaningful impact from day one — growing into the well-rounded, values-driven leaders of tomorrow.
Learn About the Impact of our Emerging Leaders
The Emerging Leaders Program has given me a lot of post-college opportunities to get an understanding of business in various areas and has given a structured track for career development. I've been given the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and gain valuable hands-on experience in safety, operations and quality. Alongside that, Sonoco and ELP have a lot of supplemental trainings/courses to help you get an understanding of your leadership style and to meet fellow ELs.