The Niagara University Holzschuh College of Business Administration again offered its students an experiential learning opportunity that enabled them to connect their academic knowledge with practical applications, enhancing their understanding of real-world business challenges and opportunities. On Feb. 11, 18 students visited the new West Herr Subaru in Lockport, N.Y., and gained important insights into the automotive industry.
The students took a behind-the-scenes tour of the service area and the state-of-the-art showroom and learned about the company’s operations, culture, and career opportunities. By stepping outside the classroom and into an active business environment, they obtained valuable networking opportunities, industry knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for operational decision-making.
“The students saw what a healthy and vibrant organizational culture looks like,” said Dr. Jim Kling, associate professor of supply chain management, who accompanied the students, along with Phil Catanese, the college’s director of centers and college outreach. “I believe it was inspirational for the students to hear leaders at West-Herr talk about growth opportunities, the family culture, and how challenges are overcome through teamwork and dedication.”
“The West Herr site tour provided valuable insight into the automotive retail industry, showcasing their strong company culture and impressive internship program that has successfully transitioned many participants into full-time employees,” said senior marketing major Delta Barber. “I particularly enjoyed learning about career pathways within the organization and seeing firsthand how their business operations function.”
“The West Herr visit was an extremely valuable experience for me,” agreed sophomore management major Isaiah Williams. “West Herr is an awesome company that shows tremendous care for their employees, while also maintaining a high standard of success!”
