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For four University of Wisconsin-Superior students, a recent trip to the Intermodal Association of North America’s (IANA) Expo in Long Beach, California, offered much more than a conference experience. It provided an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge, compete alongside peers from across the country and gain firsthand insight into careers in transportation and logistics management and supply chain management.
UW-Superior students Gus Schauer, Hayden Wilson, Luiza Magalhees and Tara Khazaee represented UW-Superior at the event, where they participated in the IANA Academic Challenge, attended industry presentations and connected with professionals from across the transportation sector.
Solving real-world challenges
A highlight of the experience was the Academic Challenge, which required student teams to analyze and develop solutions for a complex transportation case study under tight deadlines.
“The case study was a great opportunity to work with other students in a team setting to develop a solution to a real-world transportation problem,” Schauer said. “It gave us the opportunity to solve problems, share different perspectives and collaborate as a group.”
Wilson said the competition pushed students beyond what they typically experience in the classroom.
“Our team received the case on Sunday and had only five hours, with no faculty input, to analyze it and build a recommendation,” he said. “Presenting to industry judges taught me to explain complex analysis clearly and defend it under questioning.”
For Khazaee, the challenge reinforced the value of teamwork and communication.
“We truly had to rely on one another and communicate effectively,” she said. “It showed me that communication is one of the most important skills in the business world.”
Seeing the industry in action
Beyond the competition, students had the opportunity to tour the Port of Long Beach, one of the nation’s busiest ports. Seeing operations firsthand helped connect classroom concepts to real-world applications.
“The boat tour of the Port of Long Beach was one of my favorite experiences,” Magalhees said. “Seeing the number of ships, containers and different operations happening in one place made the concepts we study feel much more real.”
Wilson was impressed by the scale and coordination required to keep freight moving efficiently.
“What impressed me most was how closely the port, rail and trucking operations have to work together,” he said. “Seeing the cranes, container stacks and ships up close was very different from reading about port operations in class.”
For Khazaee, the visit sparked enthusiasm about future career opportunities.
“Seeing the huge machines, the port and all the freight moving through it helped me understand how significant the work is,” she said. “For the first time, I felt a strong sense of passion and excitement about my future career.”
Building professional connections
Students also spent time networking with industry leaders, professionals and fellow students from transportation and supply chain programs around the country.
Schauer said conversations with professionals and students helped him expand his understanding of the industry while building valuable connections.
“I was able to have conversations with people who had different experiences and backgrounds within the industry,” he said. “These interactions allowed me to expand my professional network while learning more about transportation and logistics.”
Wilson found similar value in meeting students from other universities.
“Comparing how other teams approached the same case showed me how many valid ways there are to solve one problem,” he said. “These students are likely my future colleagues and partners in the industry.”
Magalhees said one of her biggest takeaways was witnessing the enthusiasm industry professionals have for their work.
“Being around people who genuinely enjoy what they do made me feel even more excited about continuing to learn and find my own place in this industry,” she said.
Learning from industry leaders
The UW-Superior students also attended presentations from major transportation executives, including Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena and BNSF Railway CEO Katie Farmer.
Hearing leaders with differing perspectives discuss the future of rail transportation left a lasting impression.
“It was fascinating hearing both sides of the story,” Schauer said. “Seeing two major CEOs have such different approaches and styles was truly a highlight.”
For Khazaee, Farmer’s presentation was especially meaningful.
“Seeing a woman leading in the business world was inspiring,” she said. “It showed me that with hard work, determination and continuous learning, I can continue moving forward toward my own goals.”
As the students reflected on their experience, a common theme emerged: the expo helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.
“I came home with new connections, a clearer picture of where intermodal transportation is heading and more confidence that this is the industry where I want to build my career,” Wilson said.
For the UW-Superior students who attended, the IANA Expo offered more than a glimpse into their future professions. It provided practical experience, professional connections and renewed confidence as they prepare for careers in the transportation and logistics industry.