Source: US POULTRY, 1/28/21

The 2021 USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program may have looked slightly different this year than it has in years past, but the program maintained its commitment to providing educational and interview opportunities to student attendees despite the unusual circumstances. Held in conjunction with the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) Marketplace Week, the virtual program included a keynote presentation with Q&A and three days of interviews between poultry companies and students.

The College Student Career Program is the most efficient and effective way for the poultry industry to find managers of the future and has been a vital part of many companies hiring process for nearly 50 years. As one of the largest career events of its kind for students seeking professions in the industry, program organizers were pleased to be able to continue to offer this valuable event to students and participating companies.

The program’s keynote speaker, Juanfra DeVillena, director of quality assurance and food safety at Wayne Farms LLC, spoke about the life experiences that led him to a career in the poultry industry. DeVillena shared stories about living and going to school in Peru and Israel before coming to the United States, where, after college, he found his first job in poultry with Perdue Farms.

“One of the things I want to emphasize is this: never stop learning,” Devillena said. “It never ceases to amaze me what people are able to accomplish through dedication and learning. It’s a valuable asset for any employee in the poultry industry, regardless of their career path.”

As he spoke to students about building careers in poultry, DeVillena repeatedly came back to the importance of flexibility and having an open mind. “So often I talk to students who say they know exactly what they want to do, whether it’s in live production, in hatchery management, or in processing. It’s great to know what you want, but don’t be closeminded to career paths that might be a better fit for you,” explained DeVillena. 

“There are so many opportunities available in the poultry industry. It’s a non-stop, fast-paced industry full of exciting career choices.”

After the keynote presentation, award winners were announced. Austin Silva, a senior at Texas A&M University, was recognized as the Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year. The scholarship is named in Frank Perdue’s honor, for his dedication to aspiring young people studying for careers in the poultry industry, and who, for many years as a long-time supporter of the College Student Career Program, attended the program and interviewed students. Madeleine Hare, Texas A&M University, was awarded second place, and Alexandria Blanchard, North Carolina State University, received third place.

Students also participated in a Poultry Science Club of the Year competition. North Carolina State University was named Club of the Year, which is based on yearlong activities and community engagement by the club. Texas A&M University took home second place, and Pennsylvania State University placed third.