Twenty-eight students from the University of North Georgia (UNG) gained valuable insights into the poultry industry, participating in nearly 100 interviews with employers at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) held from January 28-30 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Among the attendees was Jacque Conner, a senior from Dawsonville, Georgia, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. Conner, who earned her associate degree in agriculture-poultry science in May 2024, attended the event for the third time ahead of her anticipated graduation in December 2025.
Twenty-eight University of North Georgia (UNG) students had the chance to explore the dynamic poultry industry and connect with potential employers at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) held from January 28-30 in Atlanta, Georgia. The event provided students with valuable insights and nearly 100 interviews with companies from across the industry.
Among those attending was Jacque Conner, a senior from Dawsonville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies. Conner, who also earned an associate degree in agriculture-poultry science in May 2024, reflected on her career journey. Despite skepticism when she first transferred to UNG to study poultry science, Conner’s internships at Cobb-Vantress, a genetics company, and Boehringer Ingelheim, a pharmaceutical company, have reaffirmed her 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, an associate professor of biology and poultry science at UNG, emphasized the importance of exposing students to the multifaceted nature of the poultry industry. She believes IPPE is a vital experience for students interested in the field.
“It’s something students have to go and experience and see it for themselves,” Purvis said.
Ayden Bell, a senior marketing major from Gainesville, Georgia, attended IPPE to explore career opportunities in agriculture despite not having a background in poultry science. Bell found the experience to be a valuable introduction to the industry.
“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, studying management with a concentration in logistics and supply chain management, is already equipped with a poultry science business certificate. Olvera found IPPE to be instrumental in understanding the scope of career opportunities available to him.
“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.”
UNG students attended the event with support from the U.S. Poultry & Egg Foundation, which sponsors the College and Career program at IPPE. Seventeen of UNG’s students attended the full three-day event, while 11 attended for one day—a convenient option given the proximity of the expo to UNG’s campuses.
A new feature this year was the shuttle service provided by UNG, which transported eight students and six faculty members to IPPE on the middle day of the event. The university hopes to continue offering this service and expand participation in future years.
