Textbooks and lectures provide the facts about a profession, but a field trip provides the experience. That’s why Macomb’s Career Services works with professors to schedule tours for students at local companies, like the recent one to Suburban Bolt.
Tyler Giza, a Macomb Global Supply Chain Management student, has been working at the industrial supply company’s Roseville facility since January. When fellow classmates arrived for their tour on Feb. 21, he was proud to help show them around.
“I’m very happy here, it’s great. We train in the office and the warehouse,” said Giza, a second-year student who intends to transfer to Wayne State University after he graduates in December. “We get to see the interaction between the two, which gives us a better idea of how the supply chain works. And everybody here is approachable.”
On the tour, Ben Dack was impressed by the modern, organized office and relaxed environment. Chelsey Quinn liked that it was family owned and employees were willing to mentor students and answer their questions. Julia Pesci appreciated that it “gave off a friendly vibe” and there didn’t appear to be a dress code.
Giza’s part-time job at Suburban was arranged by Macomb’s Career Services, which also assisted Patrick Greek, business professor, in organizing the recent tour. Students were also treated to lunch and heard from Suburban Bolt staffers like Frank Woch, who started sweeping floors at the 49-year-old company and is now part of its sales team. He explained how Suburban Bolt began as a distributor of bolts and fasteners, and is now a supplier of entire assembly lines, as well as the hard hats and protective goggles that go with them.
“We’re a small company and we have to fend for ourselves,” said Woch. “We are cross-training the (Macomb) students because it’s part of our long-term strategy. We’d love to keep them here.”
If you want to experience what a company is really like, contact Career Services at 586.445.7321 or careerservices@macomb.edu and ask them about the other Friday Field Trips they are offering this semester.