LAS VEGAS — The International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), the largest and most comprehensive baking event in the Western hemisphere, is helping students kickstart their career through exclusive immersion opportunities.
As companies across professions are grappling with the workforce shortage, opportunities to connect to prospective employees are critical. That’s why IBIE is aiming to give future bakers a head start in growing their professional networks, and themselves, at one of the most esteemed events in the industry.
The Expo has three ways for students to get involved in the show, including several opportunities for those at the beginning of their career in baking to meet seasoned professionals. It’s also an avenue for companies to show student interns the best of the best in baking, allowing them to immerse themselves in their future industry.
Students are automatically offered a discounted rate of $29 with presentation of credentials, giving them affordable access to networking opportunities and a chance to meet potential employers. With more than 23,000 baking professionals across segments of the grain-based food industry, students will be able to get face time with established bakers, key suppliers and even celebrity chefs.
If students are interested in signing up for a five-hour volunteer session, they will receive a free exhibit hall pass, which is a $100 dollar value. This will give them behind-the-scenes access to more than a million square feet of innovative technology and allows them the chance to help with show-floor competitions, educations seminars and celebrity-led demonstrations.
“This is an excellent opportunity to access many of the educational sessions,” said Pippa O’Shea, education manager for the American Bakers Association (ABA) and leader of the student immersion program.
For young professionals looking for a deeper experience, the student immersion program is there to deliver thorough support as they explore establishing careers. Applicants that are selected for this program, which started in 2019, will be matched with an industry mentor, participate in meetings with select exhibitors and receive a stipend for travel and accommodations.
“Creating a network of future professionals, those selected for the student immersion program learn about the many companies and career opportunities in the industry,” O’Shea said. “This is a great chance for college students to secure internships or job prospects.”
Applications for this program are due by March 29, and selected students must attend all days of the exhibition.
“The highlight of my experience was most definitely being paired with Ramon Rivera with Grupo Bimbo as my mentor,” said Anastasia Frazee, a culinary food science and entrepreneurship major who was a selected applicant in 2019. “Upon hearing that my career interests were in research and development, he connected me with several individuals who were key players in the Grupo Bimbo R&D group. The mentor program was a very positive experience for me.”
It’s safe to say the program was a success for Frazee, who now works for Kellogg’s as the associate food designer on the Pop-Tarts brand.
To learn more about the student programs, visit the IBIE website.
