Q: How did you become interested in industrial distribution, and why did you decide to major in the program at your school?

KEVIN PHILLIPS "Like many high school graduates, I had a difficult time choosing a college. Luckily, I already knew what I was interested in studying: business.

"My college search included careful examination of schools' course offerings and program combinations. I sought a program that would provide me with a competitive advantage in the workplace, while remaining flexible enough to accommodate my needs as my interests became more specialized. UAB offered just such an opportunity with its Industrial Distribution program.

"The unique combination of marketing and engineering courses instantly captured my attention, and my research suggested that this was the place for me. My involvement with the ID program has led to countless engaging conversations with faculty members and classmates, along with many opportunities to apply my newfound knowledge to practical situations. As I enter my final year at UAB, I still feel confident that I have made the right decision and that I will enter the marketplace with highly relevant skills."

LISA M. WILLIAMS "My graduation date is soon approaching and I am very eager to enter into a career in the Industrial Distribution field. I chose Industrial Distribution due to the many diverse opportunities that await me as a female. Women are the minority in this field, and I believe this offers a great amount of upward mobility.

"The education that I have received at Eastern Michigan University, as well as the abilities I have to put to use, will be a great resource. I have had a great amount of hands-on experience, between attending the ISMA (Industrial Supply Manufacturers Assn.) conference in Illinois the past two years and the NEDA (National Electronics Distributors Assn.) conference in Las Vegas last year. The wealth of information that was provided at these conferences will be a great tool for me when I start my career in Industrial Distribution. The conferences have offered me information regarding industry standards, as well as trends from the past. I was honored to be able to take advantage of such an opportunity."

DAVID SAALFELD "The first year of college classes had come to an end and my anticipation of finding a major grew stronger. In my search for a major, it was three weeks before the deadline to declare a major that I found out about Industrial Distribution.

"I knew I wanted to do something in business, but also wanted a foundation in the technical side of applications. I was interested in how the financial side of a business matched up with the technical side of a product.

"A family friend said he'd worked with people involved in a major within the college of engineering that included courses in sales, logistics and finance. I looked into ID, and with two weeks left before I had to get out of general studies, I'd declared ID as my major.

"Since joining ID, I have enjoyed the classes and become involved with the Professional Assn. for Industrial Distribution. The interactions I have had with industry representatives at PAID events has tied together concepts learned in class and opened the door for future opportunities. For those of you looking for a major or looking to hire from a major, I would recommend Industrial Distribution."