National Apprenticeship Week is celebrated from November 14-20! Today, we are happy to highlight Alexander Tiedens, IT apprentice, and thank him for all the hard work that he does!
Alexander has been with Ruan since October 2020. Alexander currently attends Iowa State University in Ames, IA, studying Computer Science. Prior to Iowa State, he attended classes at Central Campus in Des Moines, IA, and developed an interest in computers and security. At Ruan, Alexander has been able to work on Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), file transfers, and most recently, the IT Service Desk. He is looking forward to learning more in the future from Ruan’s security and systems teams.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working for Ruan?
I enjoy the people at Ruan. Everyone I have met has been nice, has a great attitude, and are more than willing to teach me anything I have questions about. I also appreciate the ability to work remotely and still be able to contribute to my team and to the company.
Q: What is your favorite memory during your time at Ruan?
Taking a tour of the Ankeny Operating Center. We were able to drive a truck around the lot with support from the safety team. Being at the operating center was a great opportunity to see the impact we make in real time and gave me a better understanding of how our operations run.
Q: What excites you about Ruan’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts?
Being able to work with people from different backgrounds. Every caller is different and has their own story. Being able to talk with these people and work through any IT issues has been very rewarding.
Q: In what ways are you involved in your community?
I participate in community service events including Meals from the Heartland, writing cards to residents in nursing homes, and community clean-up spaces around Iowa State’s campus. Through my fraternity, we raise money for Special Olympics of Iowa and the United Service Organizations (USO).
Q: What advice would you share with those considering joining the trucking industry?
It is a rewarding industry to be a part of knowing how vital the work we do for our customers and the economy is. There is a lot of technology and problem solving involved with keeping the trucks and freight moving. There is room for everyone to thrive!