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Twenty-eight University of North Georgia (̨Íåswag) students received an up-close look at the poultry industry and had almost 100 interviews with employers at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) held Jan. 28-30 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jacque Conner, a senior from Dawsonville, Georgia, pursuing a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies, already earned an associate degree in agriculture-poultry science in May 2024. This was her third time attending IPPE ahead of her December 2025 graduation.

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 ̨Íåswag 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 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 ̨Íåswag. Seventeen of ̨Íåswag'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 ̨Íåswag's campuses.

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

Additionally this year, ̨Íåswag's student Agriscience and Business Club took second place out of 30 universities and colleges for the Club of the Year award.

"This was the first time our students applied for this award, and to be recognized so highly is quite an achievement," Purvis said. "We were also the smallest program to receive this award."

IPPE is an annual event and is scheduled for Jan. 27-29, 2026. For more information about attending the event next year, please reach out to Purvis at linda.purvis@ung.edu. Sign-ups begin in early fall 2025.