Mason Jones is one of the UNG students who has taken advantage of the Business Leadership and Apprenticeship Development Experience, a partnership between UNG and The Lab Depot.
Article By: Clark Leonard
The University of North Georgia's (UNG) College of Science & Mathematics, in partnership with The Lab Depot, Inc., has launched an innovative program to provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students with a valuable job shadowing experience with an emphasis on the development of important business soft skills.
In addition to the Business Leadership and Apprenticeship Development Experience (BLADE), The Lab Depot has committed to a $25,000 donation to support the new STEM building that is planned for UNG's Dahlonega Campus.
"UNG is proud to partner with The Lab Depot for the BLADE program," Dr. John Leyba, dean of the College of Science & Mathematics, said. "They have been a valuable partner and reliable supplier to UNG's lab science courses for many years. Their staunch support of UNG is phenomenal."
The Lab Depot Chief Financial Officer Jere Allen is a 1998 UNG alumnus. Building on other successful engagements with the university, he began looking for a way to provide students with an introduction to an element that is often missing in academics: a live, "behind-the-scenes" business experience that is relatable to their career pursuits.
"We felt like this could be a great bridge between all they have learned in the classroom as they begin the transition to a full-time workplace environment," Allen said.
UNG is proud to partner with The Lab Depot for the BLADE program. They have been a valuable partner and reliable supplier to UNG's lab science courses for many years. Their staunch support of UNG is phenomenal.
Dr. John Leyba
College of Science & Mathematics dean
The BLADE program gives students experience in a laboratory equipment and supply distribution business. Students receive practical information regarding basic business practices for laboratory product sourcing in an e-commerce environment, transferrable to any industry. A specific focus is given to observing and analyzing data points in critical areas of the business.
Beyond these more technical aspects of the company, students also participate in mock interviews and receive reviews of their resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
Each student spends approximately three weeks visiting The Lab Depot once or twice per week to gain insights into different parts of the business.
"We are in a unique position to support students in realizing the value of their degree. It can be scary to not know what you’re going to do after graduation," Susan Csomor, a 2016 UNG alumna and The Lab Depot communications and content officer, said. "There is a myriad of jobs inside or outside a lab where students and graduates can apply their scientific or mathematical knowledge."
Mason Jones, a senior from LaGrange, Georgia, pursuing a degree in chemistry, is still aiming to earn a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, but his experience in BLADE has opened his eyes to the business side of chemistry rather than just academia.
"It's been interesting to see how the company makes sure it's customers are taken care of," Jones said. "It's changed my perspective of exactly where I want to go in my career."
Nick Stoltz, a senior from Buford, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology, was grateful for the variety of input he received as the BLADE program's first participant in September.
"It's an important quality to be well-rounded," Stoltz said. "This experience has added the business mindset and what all goes into getting lab materials to my arsenal. There will always be a job market for STEM majors who aren't going into research or becoming a doctor."
