Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce: TLD's Contribution to the Next Generation
November 9, 2022
The Lab Depot congratulates its initial set of BLADE participants on completing the program! Fall allowed TLD to meet its first students from The University of North Georgia (UNG), guiding them through the curriculum of the new student-focused, higher-education partnership with the school.
In an effort to support students in realizing the value of their science and math degrees, The Lab Depot has built a structured opportunity within its office to allow students to communicate with the manager of each department about the jobs they do that support the sciences and math. In order to understand how an e-commerce laboratory supply distributor relates to S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through multiple industries, even outside of academia, students receive a first-hand look at the business. Staci Tatum, The Lab Depot’s Purchasing Manager, believes, “The BLADE program gives graduating students exposure to and a better understanding of business operations. The program allows them to see and learn firsthand information that they wouldn’t typically get exposure to any other way, depending on their degree.” Tatum also stated, “After completing the program, students will fully understand how all the departments in a company work together to create a successful business and how they will interact with businesses like ours in their future S.T.E.M. careers.”
UNG’s College of Science & Mathematics (CSM) seniors Nick Stoltz, a biology major, and Mason Jones, a chemistry major, have completed the first two rounds of this new community partnership project. When interviewed, Nick said he discovered a new appreciation for his work in the lab by understanding how and from where laboratory supplies arrive, ready to be used. “This experience has reinforced my appreciation for the process of how lab equipment is distributed and utilized throughout the industry. I can also put the faces of real people in my mind for each step of the distribution from vendor to customer.” Similarly, Mason found great interest in the view of science from a business perspective, as opposed to that of a scientist. “I think it is important for an aspiring chemist to see this side of chemistry and the role it plays in providing the necessary items for research and teaching in labs. Along with this, I was able to experience a mock interview that has aided me in understanding what is expected of me when I walk into an interview room.” The next BLADE student will begin the program at the end of January 2023.
Student questions are encouraged on the UNG website. If you are a student and would like to know more about the program, you can complete a student interest form. For more first-hand information, read further about Nick and Mason’s experiences with BLADE at UNG’s Newsroom.
Pictured below: Susan Csomor, John Seelke, Mason Jones, Jere Allen, Matt Marshall, Nick Stoltz, Staci Tatum
If you have any questions, please contact Susan Csomor at [email protected].
Author: Susan Csomor
