Bridging education and industry through summer internships

The Department of Poultry Science is committed to preparing our Aggie graduates to be the most competitive and sought-after professionals in the poultry industry. High-impact learning empowers students to step beyond the classroom, immersing them in real-world, hands-on experiences that build both technical expertise and leadership skills.

Where Classroom Knowledge Meets Industry Practice

A cornerstone of this preparation is the Department's internship program, which connects students with leading poultry companies and organizations nationwide, and at times internationally. These opportunities not only provide professional development and practical training, but also allow students to explore diverse career paths within the industry, from live production and processing to research, product development, and more.

Poultry science student Dorion Criner '25, interned with JBS/Pilgrim's in Douglas, Georgia. "One of the most eye-opening parts of my experience was learning about the wastewater treatment process and the careful steps facilities take to ensure everything meets regulatory standards," he shared. "Before this internship program, I had little exposure to the environmental side of poultry production, and it gave me a new appreciation for how much responsibility the industry carries when it comes to sustainability and compliance.”

Developing Confident, Industry-Ready Aggie Professionals

This past summer, 32 students completed internships across 11 states with 19 different companies, gaining invaluable industry experience. Through POSC 484: Internship, students also have the opportunity to earn academic credit. The course requires regular check-ins with the instructor, Lesley Gleason, throughout the summer, a written paper summarizing their experience, and culminates in a formal presentation to faculty and staff at the Department of Poultry Science Internship Forum, giving students the chance to reflect on their learning and share insights with the department community.

Copper Sutton '26 interned with Wayne-Sanderson Farms in Waco, Texas. His internship program required him to identify possible deficiencies within the plant related to transition yield loss, collect data, and present his findings to members of the leadership team at Wayne-Sanderson Farms headquarters in Gainesville, Georgia. “I loved how welcoming everyone was and made me feel like an integral part of their mission,” Cooper said. “The projects assigned to interns are real issues observed within the organization, and they allow interns like me to contribute in meaningful ways, which is a great privilege.”

Student Internships