An education and community to last a lifetime

Ryder Nielson ’23, a transfer student from Modesto Junior College in California, knew within one weekend trip to Aggieland that the Department of Poultry Science in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences was meant to be his academic home.

“I immediately knew that I felt at home here within the College and department,” said Nielson. “Everyone I met was so welcoming and instantly made me feel like I was a part of Aggieland.”

Nielson graduated from Modesto Junior College with two associate degrees in agricultural business and poultry science, and is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in poultry science with a minor in agricultural economics.

He continually showed his dedication to education and the campus community by becoming a T-Camp counselor, a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassador and through his recent internship with Elanco in Atlanta, Georgia, as their Animal Sales intern, specifically for poultry.

With graduation on the horizon this month, Nielson sat down to reflect on the education and relationships he gained while at Texas A&M.

What inspired you to pursue a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences degree?

As a California native, I knew very little about Texas A&M or Texas as a whole. While attending junior college in Modesto, California, I had the opportunity to tour Texas A&M’s Department of Poultry Science and the College. While visiting, I met with advisers, attended select classes and went to Midnight Yell, followed by an Aggie football game.

The second I got on the plane back to California, I knew this was where I wanted to be, and I worked hard to keep my grades high in an effort to transfer in.  

I chose poultry science specifically because of the sense of family unity among the staff and students. I did not have a poultry background and was nervous to make the leap, but I have fallen in love with the department and the opportunities it has provided me.

How did your coursework and experience help during your internship? What was your favorite part of that experience?

My favorite part of my internship was the connections and relationships I had the opportunity to build. I had the chance to make friends with other interns and industry leaders inside and outside of the company. To this day, I talk to the other interns and friends I made. Those relationships have benefited me immensely as I began my post-graduation career search.

My coursework was highly beneficial toward my internship. I spent time on poultry farms studying diseases and antibiotics and learning how to build relationships with potential customers. Having the foundation of industry knowledge from my undergraduate coursework was huge.

As a transfer student, what advice do you have for prospective students looking to transfer to the College?

My best advice for transfers is to get involved early. As a transfer, you are limited in your time at Texas A&M, so taking advantage of that time is essential. The College has many clubs and opportunities to get involved. Fortunately, I took advantage of those and made many good friends and mentors. Surrounding yourself with those who push you and want to see you succeed will help you thrive.

What are your goals for the future once you complete your studies here at the university?

My post-graduation plan is to work within the poultry industry on the allied health side. Going into a sales role allows me to build upon my strengths and pursue my passions.

I want to help producers find safer and more efficient vaccination protocols and vaccines. My ultimate goal is to provide consumers with the highest quality, most nutritious poultry products.

What advice would you give current poultry science students interested in a similar career?

I recommend taking risks and building a connection with anyone and everyone. You never know who your boss or coworker will be. Continually put yourself out there so people can get to know you. Sales is a career where building relationships is critical, so work hard and listen.

Tell us about your experience as a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassador.

I loved having the opportunity to serve as an ambassador. I loved getting the chance to interact with donors and prospective students, giving tours and presentations and representing the College. It was a unique privilege. My favorite memory was a dinner we had with donors and watching the baseball game from the student recreation center with them.

What does your life look like outside of being a student?

Outside of being a student, I am a server at a local restaurant, which consumes most of my life, and I enjoy spending time with my friends. When not at work, I usually play football in Aggie Park or dominoes at the Dixie Chicken.

What is your favorite aspect of being a student at Texas A&M?

I love actively participating in all the traditions here at Texas A&M. We pride ourselves on traditions, and I became fully immersed even before I stepped foot on campus. I was at them all, whether it was Silver Taps, Midnight Yell, Muster or camping out for football games.

My favorite aspect was sleeping in front of Kyle Field, waiting for ticket pull and all the friends I made while camping out.