Syfan Logistics and the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Mike Cottrell College of Business partnered to offer cadets an opportunity to experience the world of logistics first-hand during Cadet Logistics Boot Camp in April.

"It was a real honor for Syfan to partner with Dr. Varun Gupta, Dr. Mohan Menon and Capt. Michael Cowart in providing the cadets an experience in transportation logistics by embedding them into our logistics operations teams," Dan Bacus, Syfan Logistics director of community and academic relations, said. "The cadets were able to interact with our logistics teams and observe third-party logistics freight movement in real time. It was a great opportunity to get to know the cadets, to offer them a logistics experience and possibly even provide some career vision for them as they approach graduation."

Mikenna Chafin, a senior from Bastrop, Louisiana, was impressed by what she experienced.

"The thing that surprised me the most was the intricate level of multitasking each employee displayed," she said. "I think the trip gave me access to another option and allowed me to expand my knowledge and see that there are so many important businesses that we have never heard of that are truly the backbone of the economic infrastructure of this nation, giving me a wider palette of understanding. This gives me a leg up in the technological world by understanding logistical operations at a surface level, which is so crucial to advancements of technology."

Chafin is a senior pursuing a degree in cybersecurity.

For Natalie Wortham, the experience provided great insight.

"I was surprised by how many other companies work with Syfan to utilize its logistics services," she said. "This trip really confirmed my aspirations to work in logistics."

Wortham is a Jefferson, Georgia, resident, pursuing a finance degree. She is a junior.

This is the third time the successful camp has been offered.  

"The boot camp offers cadets a unique, action-driven learning experience," Gupta, associate professor of logistics and business analytics, said. "By connecting theory to practice — from military logistics planning to touring a major civilian third-party logistics company like Syfan Logistics — students build the skills and confidence needed to excel in a rapidly evolving global supply chain environment."