UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A dozen students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences improved their career skills and networked with nationally known employers during the 40th Annual Training Conference and Career Expo of the National Society of MANRRS.
MANRRS is a professional development organization for students involved in agriculture and natural resources.
The students attended the conference in April in Dallas, along with Laura Leites, assistant dean for access and equity, and Milton Newberry III, director of student access programs and adviser for the MANRRS chapter at Penn State.
This year’s theme was “Leadership to Legacy,” and students encountered a wide range of professional development opportunities during sessions, keynote speeches and interpersonal interaction with students, university faculty and staff, and industry professionals from across the nation.
“On the very first day, I unexpectedly met the chief technology officer of the company I’ll be working for this summer in an elevator,” said Ian Bell, an environmental resource management major and chapter treasurer. “From connecting with amazing students from universities across the country to reconnecting with people I met last year who have now become close friends, the MANRRS national conference is a remarkable environment for building relationships, expanding your network, and growing as a pre-professional.”
Penn State was one of the original founding chapters, along with Michigan State University, and remains active in the organization year-round, Leites said. This year, MANRRS celebrated its 40th anniversary.
“The conference and the career expo are completely tailored toward the students and helping them make professional connections,” said Newberry III, who also served as a judge for the quiz bowl, a "Jeopardy!"-style contest that tests students’ skills. “The conference is the highlight of our chapter, and the mentorship that happens there has a lasting impact.”
Tulsi Patel, a first-year veterinary and biomedical sciences major, said she sought out Penn State’s MANRRS chapter from the start.
“From our fun meetings to the professional development activities, I always seem to enjoy being around our MANRRS members,” she said. “What put things over the top was being able to go to Dallas — my first time in the South — and gain advice and help for my professional journey. In this organization, I have been able to grow professionally, personally and connectively.”
Maya Mathes, a food science major, said she enjoys how MANRRS brings together people with the same interests — at both the national and chapter levels.
“Through MANRRS, I’ve learned how important every part of agriculture is and how it all overlaps,” Mathes said. “I knew it was all connected, but it was different seeing it firsthand, the supply chain, logistics and production of food. I'm excited about the continued connections and support I have received from people in our chapter and the national organization. I love how we all have a common interest and we just want to see each other succeed.”
The Penn State chapter includes about 30 members across several STEM colleges, and the chapter and national conference also are available to graduate students.
The chapter’s mission is to develop and empower individuals in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences by nurturing student potential, supporting unique journeys and connecting members to opportunities that inspire leadership and innovation.
Membership is open to all students dedicated to the organization’s mission. To learn more, contact Newberry III at 814-865-3215 or mgn105@psu.edu.