Q: What aspect of distribution most interests you, and where do you expect to begin your career?

COLIN PATRICK HORAN> My father has worked in distribution, and my aspirations to follow in his footsteps are what sparked my interest in the field. The areas of distribution that interest me include material handling, inventory control, administration, billing and credit, logistics, sales, and general financial management.

I am fascinated by the fact that so many products—whether headache-remedy medicine, the nuts and bolts needed to assemble an engine, or the building materials for a skyscraper—all rely on distributors for their success.

I recently completed an internship with the Marjam Supply Co., headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. Marjam gave me the opportunity to learn their business from the ground up. This was an invaluable experience that has given me a unique perspective of a world-class distribution business.

I am searching for a summer internship with a pharmaceutical, logistics or general manufacturing company, and am anxious to find a challenging position with a growth-oriented firm that offers diverse opportunities.

My long-term goal is to be a general manager in the distribution industry. At this point it is difficult to say on which field of distribution I will focus. However, my experiences thus far in the building materials industry have been educational and enjoyable. I want to join a company that has a strong training program, one which would give me the opportunity to learn all aspects of their business, move to inside and outside sales, and eventually earn an entry-level management position.

MELISSA HUFFMAN> There are many aspects of industrial distribution that interest me. I believe we have a strong program at UNK that allows us to experience each aspect of the business. Being introduced to the different parts of industrial distribution allows us to be better prepared in the future.

I am most interested in sales because it allows you to meet many different people and utilize your skills as a problem solver. I find it very rewarding to be able to help someone, and I enjoy the trust and ongoing relationships that come along with the sale.

I have five years of sales experience that I gained while working during college, and I would like to continue my sales career with a progressive company that will allow me to advance rapidly.