Although they are from different generations and took two different paths in a field with an abundance of opportunity, Robert Sistrunk and Elmedin Cancar both found success in their goals thanks to Lone Star College-CyFair’s Logistics Management program.
Sistrunk’s Non-Traditional Journey
After more than 20 years in inventory management, Sistrunk found himself more involved in working daily with a 3PL (third-party logistics) provider. Deciding he needed to learn more about logistics, and regretting he had never earned a degree, he registered in LSC-CyFair’s program at the age of 52.
Sistrunk said interacting with students of different ages in his classes gave him a better understanding of the younger generation in the workforce. He also noted his appreciation for the knowledge and experiences his professors shared.
“I really enjoyed learning about new warehouse management systems and how transportation plays such a vital part in filling the demand for customer needs,” he said.
In his last semester, LSC-CyFair collaborated with the University of Houston Supply Chain and Logistics Technology Program, which had been selected as the inaugural Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Center in North America. So in February 2021, Sistrunk was one of the 83 students enrolled in LSC-CyFair’s Business Administration and Logistics programs, who were among the first cohort taking the CILT online certificate courses.
“The globally-recognized credential program is focused on addressing gaps in skill sets and helping students become more marketable to fill those gaps,” said Ellen Junious, LSC-CyFair’s Business Department chair. “Our UofH partnership allows our students to learn skills which can quickly and effectively prepare them for employment.”
Sistrunk said “Because of COVID-19, I lost my job in 2020. While going through the job search process, I noticed how important certificates can be. I knew with my AAS degree, and CILT certification, there would be more opportunities available to me and I'd have more knowledge to provide to a future employer.”
This past May, Sistrunk finished his associate degree and started a new job as the warehouse manager for Accent Building Materials in Tomball. In June, he completed five CILT certificates including: Introduction to Logistics Modular Award; Introduction to Purchasing Modular Award; Introduction to Warehousing and Inventory Level 2; Introduction to Customer Service and Marketing Level 2; and International Introductory Certificate in Logistics and Transportation.
“What I'm doing now is similar to the warehouse management discussed in my classes and I understand the direction the general manager is moving to improve the warehouse functionality,” he said. “I believe LSC-CyFair’s program has given me the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in any logistics position.”
Cancar’s Academic Journey
Drawn to the logistics field, in part by the various different types of roles available, Cancar started the LSC-CyFair’s Logistics Management program after graduating Jersey Village High School in 2018. While at LSC-CyFair he was a SIDO (logistics club) member and participated in the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals student competition.
He said hearing about advisor Gilbert Leonard’s amazing experience working for Exxon, as well as Professor Jon Sorensen’s excellent way of teaching, reassured him that supply chain and logistics was the right career path.
After earning his LSC-CyFair associate degree in 2019, Cancar went on to the University of Houston, earning a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Logistics Technology, with a minor in purchasing in December 2020.
Further education came from work experience, such as building leadership skills serving as team lead at one of Amazon’s Houston delivery stations. Additional insight into the field came from internships, including a logistics coordination intern position at Gesture, a company in New York.
More recently, he was certified by APICS in Planning and Inventory Management and is now in Canton, MS as a NISSAN Supply Chain Management intern while attending Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in pursuit of a Master of Science in Analytics.
“(Logistics) is an amazing field to work in,” he said. “What I like most about it is the positive impact I can have on a company, from finances to overall company success. Ultimately, I plan on working up to a doctorate degree. In regard to my career goals, the sky is the limit.”
For information on LSC-CyFair's Logistics Management Program and CILT certification, email Ellen.D.Junious@LoneStar.edu. LSC-CyFair is currently registering for the fall semester classes starting August 30 at LoneStar.edu/registration.