What have you learned?

Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 8/1/2005

Q: Given the focus placed on specialization in business today, what courses have you taken in college that you think have best prepared you for working in today's industrial distribution field?

NICHOLAS A. LISEC>

Throughout the four years at University of Nebraska at Kearney, the Industrial Distribution students take a variety of courses that include: technology-based classes that emphasize the equipment being used in today's industries; business classes which mold students into young professionals; and upper-level classes that involve negotiations and emphasize the quantitative aspects affecting human performance in the workplace.

"Technology Today" is a conceptual approach to computer-aided communication systems typically applied in the industrial environments; "Applied Electronics" is an overview of analog and digital circuitry and various applications, as well as incorporating computer and industry control circuits; "Manufacturing/Distribution Relationships" focuses on the study of the design and development of products, services, and the utilization of facilities, machines, and materials.

These are just a few examples of the classes that have had a great impact on my personal achievement. Today's industrial distribution field is ever changing, and the people that stay ahead of the curve will continue to be successful.

My classroom setting involved one-on-one attention, hands-on activities, real-world applications, and, above all, fun.

STACY M. CARDWELL>

Specialization in the industrial distribution market today is inevitable. The classes that have taught me the most about specialization in industrial distribution were the ones that challenged me to think outside of the box and see industrial distribution from an innovative perspective.

While some companies are lackadaisical about keeping up with the changes in their industry, I realize that, not only does a company need to be knowledgeable of changes and specializations, but it needs to be ahead of its competitors as well.

The most influential class I have taken during college to prepare me for this was not actually a "class."

My internship at O'Neal Steel Inc. gave me the opportunity to experience hands-on training, which has been invaluable.

The important lessons I have learned from my time in the classroom at UAB are to be anxious to learn, to understand broad topics and, later on, be ready to bring my education and what I have learned to a specific area.

I am fully confident that after graduation, I will have a very strong foundation in my field and be ready to take it to a different, more detailed level.

Do you know a student who should be featured on The Next Generation page? Send your suggestions to victoria.kickham@reedbusiness.com.