Q: Why do you want to pursue a career in industrial distribution?

Justin Buskirk: I entered the University of Nebraska at Kearney four years ago to become a teacher. During my first semester, I discovered UNK's industrial distribution program. I took a few classes and realized that the ID program could provide many career opportunities and options for me.

Industrial distribution seemed second nature to me. I was raised on a farm and have always had a connection to industrial products, repair work and equipment. I learned sales and customer service at a young age by observing the daily operations of my family's sewing store, and I have worked in retail at a lumberyard while in college. I love selling, and feel I have been unknowingly training for this job my whole life.

The educators at UNK have gone above and beyond to help prepare us for our future. I have received a broad education, including business classes and an array of industrial classes. They have opened many doors and allowed us a look at the upper levels of distribution. After attending last year's Industrial Distribution Assn. Business Expo in Chicago, I knew I was born to sell. Talking to YEF [Young Executive Forum] members, sitting with a real distribution company, and listening to conversations with manufacturers was exciting to me. It's what I want to do.n

Sean Thomas Yanok: I chose a career in industrial distribution for a variety of reasons. I gained interest from my father, who has worked in the industry for more than 20 years. Next, my interest was sparked when I found that East Carolina has one of the top industrial distribution programs in the country, and its job placement is more than 98 percent.

When I entered the program, I was further intrigued by the intensity of teaching and learning in a "real world" environment. Each class participates in role-playing situations covering all facets of industrial distribution. These role-playing situations stem from East Carolina's state-of-the-art Industrial Distribution Simulation Laboratory, where we learn hands-on about counter sales, inside sales, outside sales, warehouse operations, purchasing, inventory managing, and branch management. This process has enthused me—not only about learning here at East Carolina, but also about entering the industrial distribution workforce. The department also offers on-site tours of companies to get a first-hand perspective of the industry.

Finally, majoring in industrial distribution gave me the chance to become a member of the exclusive Professional Assn. of Industrial Distribution, which enables students to interact together on a range of topics important to success in this fast-growing and changing industry.