Expo connects students with poultry industry

Conner, who has worked internships at the genetics company Cobb-Vantress and pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, said people originally thought she was crazy for transferring to UNG to study poultry science. Her internships and the wide array of companies needing a variety of skill sets at IPPE further underscored for her that she made the right decision.

"There are so many opportunities you don't even realize," Conner said. "And IPPE is a great way to see that."

Dr. Linda Purvis, associate professor of biology and poultry science, said she always makes sure to tell her students that poultry is a multifaceted industry. IPPE brings that to life.

"It's something students have to go and experience and see it for themselves," Purvis said.

Ayden Bell, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in marketing with a concentration in digital marketing, doesn't have a poultry science background but decided to attend IPPE to explore career opportunities.

"There is so much to learn from this industry. Even someone without experience, going to it is going to broaden your knowledge of the agriculture world and the business world," Bell said. "There are so many things you're going to learn and so many people you're going to meet. It's definitely a worthwhile experience."

Diego Olvera, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management with a concentration in logistics and supply chain management, has also already earned his poultry science business certificate. He appreciated the conversations he was able to have with potential employers at IPPE.

"It really helped me scope out what kind of jobs are available now and will be available in the future," Olvera said. "I would highly recommend it to students in all majors. It's such a big opportunity that a lot of people are missing out on."

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Foundation, which is a major sponsor of IPPE, supports students to attend the College and Career program of IPEE, including students from UNG. Seventeen of UNG's students were at all three days of the conference. A total of 11 students attended for just one day, which is a benefit to the proximity of this expo to UNG's campuses.

Also a first this year, UNG provided a shuttle on the middle day of IPPE, allowing eight students and six faculty members and administrators to attend IPPE for the day. UNG hopes to offer this service again next year and have even more participants.