The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association said a record 650 students interested in a career in the poultry industry recently attended the USPOULTRY Foundation’s College Student Career Program, held in conjunction with the 2018 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta.

The three-day program attracted students from 41 universities across the United States. The students interviewed for jobs and internships with 175 human resources representatives from about 30 industry and allied firms. They were also able to visit the exhibit floor to see the latest technology used in today's industry.

Keynote speaker Bob “Pic” Billingsley, director of development and engineering for Sanderson Farms, encouraged the students to work industriously toward obtaining their career aspirations as they transition from academics to the work environment. “You are in the driver’s seat. We need good people. There are many opportunities, and you just have to go after them,” said Billingsley.

The International Student Program brought in 14 students from seven universities in Latin America for a specialized program that enabled the students to discuss job opportunities with companies that have Latin American operations.

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