Experiential SIP: National Logistics Management/ IT Extern An Experiential Description and Classroom Connections / Essay of My Externship at National Logistics Management in Southfield, Michigan.

Abstract

This summer I worked for National Logistics Management (NLM) as an IT intern. I secured this position through the externship program at Kalamazoo College. For the first week of my internship, I lived with the CEO of NLM, Scott Taylor. During this time I was able to sit in on each department and was given a first hand look at the responsibilities and task that occurred there. This sampling allowed me to gain an overview of the entire logistical process. My work continued in the IT department where I tested the software for NLM's new release Capacity Gateway (CG). The Experiential Description will describe the tasks that I dealt with on a daily basis as an IT intern and will highlight my efforts in preparing CG for its release in October of 2007. Although I entered into the internship with very small computer background, I still felt as if the courses I have taken at Kalamazoo College allowed me to contribute in my daily tasks. In the Connections Essay I will be specifically focusing on the value of outsourcing a companies logistical needs to a Third Party Logistical (3 PL) provider and how a 3PL's insight into the entire logistical process is what allowed companies to reduce cost and time, ultimately creating a more efficient means of shipping for everyone involved.