Students majoring in animal science at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) recently traveled to Atlanta to participate in the annual International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE). The event brought together more than 1,000 exhibitors and 28,000 visitors.
IPPE is the world’s largest annual display of technology, equipment, supplies and services used in the production and processing of eggs, meat, poultry and feed, Dr. Adedeji Olufemi Adetunji, assistant professor for UAPB’s Department of Agriculture, said.
UAPB students who participated in the event were Henrietta Owusu, Tyrese Singleton, Michai Tate, Christopher Urquhart, Miriam Bradley, Nia Sims, Gabrielle Cotton and Makiya Williams.
“Participating in the expo allowed our students to discover novel innovations, technologies, research and services in the meat, poultry, egg and animal food industries,” he said. “It also gave them the opportunity to interview with several companies for employment and internship positions. They had the chance to network with other students and industry experts in formal and informal settings.”
Most importantly, participating students now have a better idea of the career prospects that await them upon completing their studies and how their respective courses of study can impact their success outside the university, Dr. Adetunji said.
Williams, a freshman who plans on someday completing veterinarian school and becoming a veterinarian, said she was impressed by the event’s venue, the World Congress Center, as well as the sheer number of exhibits and pieces of equipment on display.
“I had never been to an event such as this, with a single room filled with so many opportunities and potential possibilities for my future,” she said. “I’m just a freshman, so even if I didn’t leave the conference with a job, I left with valuable experience. After networking, I feel like my name is out there, that my foot is in the door.”
Bradley, a sophomore, said the conference broadened her knowledge on the broad scale and importance of poultry, animal feed and meat processing and production. She also appreciated the interviewing and networking opportunities.
“By interviewing with various poultry industry leaders such as Cobb, Aviagen, Cale-Maine Foods and Claxton, I built professional connections and enhanced my interviewing skills,” she said. “Attending IPPE perfectly complements my studies in agriculture and has opened doors to career opportunities.”
After she graduates, Bradley said she plans to become an agricultural research economist. She aims to develop sustainable agricultural practices and apply her knowledge and talents to analyze market trends and contribute to policymaking.
Owusu, a graduate student, said she appreciated the chance to interview with several prominent companies, including Tyson, Aviagen and Cal-Maine Foods. She said each interview allowed her to showcase her skills, knowledge and passion for the industry while also giving her a deeper understanding of the diverse roles and responsibilities within the sector.
“I am actively following up with the companies and individuals I met at IPPE, and I am confident that these interactions will lead to fruitful collaborations, internships or even job opportunities soon,” she said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in such a prestigious event and look forward to the exciting prospects that lie ahead.”
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
