During the fall 2015 semester multiple courses in the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University enhanced industry focused experiential learning by inviting industry representatives to speak to students. Topics discussed included trends, challenges and opportunities in the industrial channels.
In addition to bringing industry speakers to classes, students are provided opportunities to participate in industry conferences and competitions. These events enhance exposure to the latest trends in the industry as well as provide an opportunity for students to meet industry professionals.
Some of the events students participated in were:
— 2015 Houston Electric League (HEL) Cross Fire — More than 50 students participated in a discussion panel consisting of six industry representatives. Students learned about internship and scholarship opportunities from one of the largest providers of these for industrial distribution students. HEL is an industry association devoted to supporting the electrical industry within the Houston and Southeast Texas area, as well as to steward and support education and scholarship through the Houston Electrical League Scholarship Fund (HELSF), a non-profit affiliate organization.
— 2015 Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) Convention and Exhibitors’ Showcase — Nearly 40 students participated in this industry interaction experience. Students toured the convention floor, participated in speeches and sessions with nationally known speakers, and learned more about distribution techniques and growth. The interaction for Texas A&M students with students from other distribution and supply chain programs (especially Purdue University and The University of Nebraska-Kearney) was also beneficial. MHEDA is the premier trade association dedicated to serving the material handling business community.
— 2015 Rockwell Automation Fair — Four students attended this event and interacted with automation and automation related equipment manufacturers and distributors. Students attended experiential learning sessions as well as represented the Industrial Distribution Program by providing information about their experiences at a booth. Rockwell Automation is the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information and sponsors an automation lab for industrial distribution students at Texas A&M.
— 2015 Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) Project Host at EDS — EDS is the leadership summit for the movers, shakers and brightest minds that electronic component manufacturers, distributors and representatives have to offer. ECIA represents companies to develop business strategies, and build and renew business relationships. Three students participated in real world meetings and manufacturers used this time to meet with as many of their distributors and manufacturer representatives as possible.