San Jacinto College student Ivan Richardson plans to earn an International Business and Logistics associate degree from San Jacinto College en route to launching his own heavy machinery transport business. Photo by Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.

Student Spotlight: Richardson on the road to launching transport business

Rob Vanya, November 9, 2012

QUESTION: Where did you grow up, and why are you interested in International Business and Logistics (IBUS) as a career field?

IVAN RICHARDSON: I grew up in the Galena Park area, and graduated from Furr High School (Houston ISD). Living near the Port of Houston, I watched the Ship Channel grow and develop, and because of that I have always been interested in the shipping and international trade industry.

Q: What are your education goals at San Jacinto College, and what are your additional education goals?

A: I plan to earn an IBUS associate degree at San Jacinto College. Then, I will transfer to the University of Houston to earn a bachelor’s degree in international logistics. Fortunately, San Jacinto College maintains an IBUS articulation agreement with UH, which means my transfer to the university will be seamless.

Q: What are your ultimate career goals?

A: I recently attended the Breakbulk Americas conference in downtown Houston as part the IBUS program at San Jacinto College, and that experience became sort of a defining moment for me in regards to a career choice. I learned about the tremendous potential there is in the breakbulk area of international logistics, and made some key connections with key industry representatives. Because of that, I plan to start my own heavy machinery transport business. The business will handle transporting the really large loads (both domestic and international), the kind that require police escorts, traffic diversions, etc. I work for YRC Freight (the company that resulted from the merger of Yellow Freight and Roadway Express), so I am familiar with some aspects of trucking, but I became fascinated with all of the detailed logistics involved in transporting the really large loads.

Q: Summarize your experience at the Breakbulk Americas conference.

A: I learned that Houston is such an important and critical region for domestic and international trade. I also learned that the breakbulk area of international trade is overall in good shape and the Port of Houston is the number one breakbulk port in the nation. Breakbulk deals with heavy-lift and vehicle cargo, as opposed to containerized cargo. I also learned that signs indicate there will be increased activity around the Port because there are so many petrochemical plants, many of which are aging and are due to be retrofitted or expanded.

Q: How does attending such a conference supplement what you learn in class at San Jacinto College?

A: In class we learn about how the international trade industry operates in theory – things like handling different monetary systems, customs regulations, insurance requirements, ensuring materials are secured safely for shipping, etc. At the conference I had the opportunity to see how those processes are carried out in the real world. Also at the conference I was able to network with ship owners and owners of crane companies. Making those kinds of key connections are important for someone like me who wants to start my own business. I also got leads on several internship possibilities that could lead to some valuable on-the-job training.

San Jacinto College offers IBUS classes and degree plans at the North Campus. The program also features maritime and logistics specialty courses. The IBUS program trains students for careers in the international trade community. Additionally, the South Campus offers an introduction to ships and shipping course as part of a business degree that transfers to Texas A&M at Galveston, and the Central Campus offers a maritime technology associate degree.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

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