UNF’s T&L program powers student success through industry partnerships

Soon after transferring to the University of North Florida in 2022, Cameron Myers got involved with the student-led Transportation & Logistics Society (TLS).

Myers was volunteering with TLS at the State of the Port event, organized by the International Propeller Club Port of Jacksonville. While checking in guests, he talked with Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) executives and introduced himself to JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. Green mentioned an open marketing internship position and encouraged him to connect with the marketing team to apply.

"When Mr. Green told me I should connect with two executives at the event about the internship, I told him that I had met both of them earlier in the evening and couldn't wait to join the team," Myers said. "My foot was in the door before I even realized it thanks to UNF T&L opportunities."

Now with two internships under his belt, Myers will graduate this fall with dual degrees in T&L and marketing from the Coggin College of Business and Hicks Honors College.

Myers is an example of how students are thriving in UNF's T&L programs, including the Crowley Center for Transportation and Logistics, with support from faculty and staff and hands-on experience with industry leaders.

Industry connections

UNF is located in the heart of Jacksonville, a major supply chain and logistics hub, allowing students hands-on experiences in all five modes of transportation: road, rail, water, air and pipeline. The University's collaborations with industry leaders ensure students graduate with the critical tools and experiences they need to hit the ground running in competitive jobs or to further their careers.

Myers joined the TLS board after being encouraged by faculty to get involved.

"Sitting on the TLS board for two years was one of the best decisions I made initially in college because it allowed me to attend so many networking events," said Myers. "The invaluable benefits of networking and connecting with business leaders landed me two high demand internships."

During his internship in the marketing department at JAXPORT from June to August 2024, Myersassisted in the development of a web app that compares pricing between JAXPORT and other East Coast ports, wrote copy for JAXPORT rail and Latin America fact sheets to enhance marketing efforts and dove into the world of generative AI, learning how this emerging technology can be applied in professional scenarios.

"I am most proud of my work on the web app," said Myers. "It was amazing to see the project come together and how useful it was for the commercial team to demonstrate JAXPORT's value and competitive edge."

Myers also completed an internship with PLS Logistics Services as logistics coordinator from June to December 2023. He was invited by the Jax Chamber to speak at the 2024 Transportation and Logistics Forum about his internship experience.

"UNF's Transportation and Logistics Program is a critical part of Northeast Florida's T&L talent pool," said JAXPORT marketing director Jeff Price. "We've been pleased to grow our partnership with the university through our port's intern program, and it's clear that UNF prepares students well. It's been incredibly rewarding to see students like Cameron making an immediate impact while gaining real-world experience."

Connecting across the nation and globe

Two of the pivotal experiences the UNF T&L program provides to students beyond its rigorous academics and groundbreaking research are participating in the Intermodal Association of North America(IANA)case competitions and the global supply chain study abroad program.

Myers participated in four IANA case competitions. He was selected to represent UNF at the IANA Expo student case competitions in Long Beach, California, for three years in a row, 2023-25. He also participated in the UNF logistics and supply chain management case competition hosted with IANA at UNF earlier this year. The student teams are given five hours to find potential solutions for a T&L industry case and then present findings to a panel of industry leaders.

"The best part of competitions is meeting other students and making friends from all around the country, people I wouldn't otherwise meet," said Myers. "Other teams and faculty are always impressed with our solutions. It's really affirming to hear the positive comments from other prestigious schools."

This June, he spent four weeks learning about Italian and European logistics and supply chain management during a UNF T&L study abroad at the University of Verona in Italy. One of the most impressive parts for Myers was participating in a tour of Interporto Quadrante Europa of Verona, the most important freight village in Europe.

"It was my first time out of the country, and the furthest I've ever been from my comfort zone. Experiencing a different culture, pace of life, and way of thinking really broadened my perspective more than I expected."

Myers also founded the UNF Public Speaking Club, where he helps his peers conquer their fears of public speaking.And he was part of an Honors in Marketing class project where students collaborate with VyStar Credit Unionto develop marketing plans for the VyStar Orlando Magic co-branded debit and Visa credit cards.

Up next, Myers hopes to land a full-time position in Jacksonville upon graduation. With the strong experiential learning he has gained at UNF and living in a supply chain hub, his future looks bright.