A common topic of conversation within the poultry industry has been the need for qualified workers.
The right people are likely out there, but sometimes finding them can be tricky.
Job fairs are one way for companies within the industry to find the people to fill positions, and the Texas A&M University Department of Poultry Science has something planned that puts a unique twist on the job or career fair.
On November 14, the university department will be hosting its second Poultry Science Reverse Career Fair.
“We have flipped the script on the traditional career fair set-up! Instead of a traditional style career fair with companies at tables and students walking around, students will be stationed at tables while company representatives mingle around the room,” a LinkedIn post read.
At the fair, graduating seniors will have their resumes displayed on a poster for easy reference, and a booklet of all undergraduate resumes will be provided to all companies in attendance.
In addition to the soon-to-be-graduating students, underclassmen who are interested in internship opportunities will be in attendance as well.
This is a great idea.
Looking for a job can be intimidating enough, and by having prospective employers come to prospective employees, instead of the reverse can ease some of that pressure. The students can bring attention to the companies who are hiring, and it would seem, could provide a better opportunity for a more individualized interaction, rather than have person after person come up to a certain company’s booth.
The university is charging $200 per company to attend the fair, and that cost covers the registration for up to four representatives per company.
This also sounds like a good deal for the people who are hiring. If you only find one employee, or intern, or even make greater contact with the poultry science department, that’s a pretty good return on investment.
A registration link is available online.
This is actually the second year for the event. Last year, it attracted an impressive array of employers in the industry, including:
- Amick Farms, LLC
- Aviagen, Inc
- Brakebush Brothers, Inc.
- Cal-Maine Foods, Inc
- Cobb Vantress
- Conagra Brands
- H-E-B
- JBS USA
- Pilgrim's
- Purina
- Simmons Foods
- Tyson Foods
- Wayne-Sanderson Farms
I hope the 2024 Reverse Career Fair is a success, and I hope more academic departments at colleges and universities across the United States and beyond embrace this idea and try it themselves.
