Category Archives: Someone you should know

College Senior: Set Goals, Learn to Sell to Succeed

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University of Northern Iowa senior Ty Flood eagerly anticipates graduation this spring. With a degree in marketing, this Des Moines native credits his real world experience with Dardis for laying a foundation for a successful career post-college.

Ty shares his first-hand internship experience, encouraging other college students to “become comfortable with being uncomfortable” to grow and succeed in their careers.

Describe your experience with Dardis.
My internship with Dardis was hands-down one of the biggest learning experiences that I have ever had. The internship was challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Not only did I learn a lot about myself, but I had the opportunity to connect with many successful people in the Des Moines area.

What was one of the most important lessons you learned through the Dardis program?
One of the biggest lessons that the internship instilled in me is the importance of goal setting. There will be days where you hit the ground running, but there will be days when you don’t feel like a million bucks. Through setting goals, you will always have something to stride toward.

What kind of skills do you feel are most important for college students to learn through internships and volunteer work before graduation?
A skill that is critically important for any college student to learn is the ability to sell. No matter what walk of life that you travel down, you are going to have to sell yourself and your ideas to peers, leadership or customers. Every day, you are constantly selling your credibility.

What are your goals for the future? How has Dardis helped you work toward these short-term and long-term goals?
Currently, my short-term goal is to attain a full-time sales position before graduation. Through both the week-long seminar and the nine-week internship, I gained skills in oral, and written communication, as well as professional image and sales skills. This has been incredibly helpful in interviews. I received true business experience through this internship.

Ultimately, a long-term goal would be to start and run my own business. Dardis has prepared me for this by giving me a taste of what the entrepreneurial life is like by building a customer list and fulfilling their needs.

What advice do you have for other undergraduate students as they prepare for their careers?
Become comfortable with being uncomfortable. As a young professional, a lot of things are going to be new to us. Don’t shy away from these new things. Hunt them down and hit it head-on because that’s the only way that we can grow.

Recruitment Manager Spotlight: Lisa DeMar

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Recruitment Manager Lisa DeMar spreads the message about Dardis Academy in the state of Michigan, showing students that the Classroom to Career internship program provides the tools, training and real world experience to succeed in all areas of life. In our latest Recruitment Manager Spotlight, she explains why Dardis Academy is on the cutting edge:

Why should students spend time now focusing on their future careers?
It is so important for students to take full advantage of every opportunity they can during their college career to better themselves for their first steps into the real world. If they don’t take advantage of it, the student next to them will!

What is the greatest benefit of the Dardis Classroom to Career internship program?
The competitive advantage the student gains in multiple facets of life. They will walk away with excellent communication and presentation tools that will benefit them in many areas of their life, as well as the confidence of knowing that they have taken that extra step toward a successful future.

In one word, what’s Dardis all about?
Cutting edge. (Well, I guess that’s two!)

What is one piece of career advice you give to college students?
As you enter the workforce, know that there are hundreds of other equally qualified graduates vying for that same entry level job with the same tenacity. Knowing you have taken those extra steps to better yourself and your resume will give you the confidence in the interview process to stand out. The applicant who cannot articulate why they are the better candidate in the interview will not be getting the job offer!

What can interns expect to learn in the Dardis Academy?
In the Dardis Academy, the student will gain essential communication skills to succeed in life. Whether the student has modest or extravagant future goals, having the necessary skills in communication, presentation and professional image will give that student the confidence to succeed!

Why are you passionate about the Dardis mission?
Dardis has given students, at such a critical time in their lives, the opportunity to develop and attain high level communication skills and self-management tools. Obtaining these skills and having the ability to apply them in a real-world setting is crucial for overall success in life.

How can students contact you for more information?
Students in in the great state of Michigan can learn more about this exceptional opportunity by contacting me at Lisa@dardisinc.com or calling 269-330-3271.

Recruitment Manager Spotlight: Bryan Feilen

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In our first Recruitment Manager Spotlight for 2014, Bryan Feilen describes how the Classroom to Career internship program sets the path to a successful future for students in his territory of Indiana and beyond.

Why should students spend time now focusing on their future careers?
Students should always look to gain a competitive edge, which is pertinent to gaining individual success in the future. You shouldn’t be the student that isn’t participating in anything while your peers are gaining experience.

What is the greatest benefit of the Dardis Classroom to Career internship program?
Students can use the fundamentals we provide through training in every professional avenue. Putting the fundamentals to work through the internship will display their new level of professionalism while networking with executives that they may want to work for after they graduate.  There isn’t a better way to build your professional network than through an internship that puts you in front of the people that will interview you after graduation.

In one word, what’s Dardis all about?
Development.

What is one piece of career advice you give to college students?
Don’t fall victim to complacency. Change in routine, striving for a promotion, trying something new or seeking a new job is exactly what creates success. Lastly, change is constant. Monitor the things around you and make sure they are things, people or groups that will help you move forward. Always strive to move in the direction of success.

What can interns expect to learn in the Dardis Academy?
Students can expect a rigorous week of training. Training isn’t solely focused on our great product, but mostly focused on the fundamentals of being an effective communicator. This is the key to being an outstanding leader and professional.

Why are you passionate about the Dardis mission?
The key components of our mission are the components that create successful individuals. We provide the opportunity to gain independence, confidence, goal setting and self-motivation. These are the attributes of successful individuals. These are the same components I tried to instill in students and student athletes at the high school level as a high school teacher. It’s a blessing to be a part of a company that is striving to instill these same attributes through an internship program.

How can students contact you for more information?
Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. I’m very passionate about development and look forward to assisting students during this professional journey. My email is bryan@dardisinc.com and phone is 317-306-0524.

Executive-level Training Provides the Competitive Edge

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Professional, skills-driven training through Dardis Academy represents one of the greatest assets of Dardis’ Classroom to Career internship program. This week-long training goes beyond lectures to include customized sessions that involve instructor briefings, student practice, instructor coaching, group feedback and individualized videotape review. We know that students and adults learn best through interactive coaching and individual practice, so our training methodology provides students with instant feedback and the opportunity to observe and measure their progress throughout the training experience.

To create the best learning environment, we ensure our training is:

  • Practical and applicable
  • Interactive and participative
  • 100% linked to the student’s goals and objectives

Students emerge from this valuable experience with the skills they need to succeed in our exciting internship program and in their careers.

But how important is professional training? Just ask Nebraska Recruiting Manager Nick McEvoy. He cites Dardis’ training program as the top benefit for Dardis interns. Read more in our latest Recruitment Manager Spotlight:

What is the greatest benefit of the Dardis Classroom to Career internship program?
Truly the greatest benefit is one week of executive level training. The Dardis Academy is much more than just providing a job – they are providing students with real world skills and experience.

What sets the Dardis internship apart from other internship opportunities?
Our executive level training program. Thousands of executives every year go through our training and development program. Student participants will come out with a competitive edge from their peers after one summer with the Dardis Academy.

Why do you think it’s important for students to gain real life career experience while in college?
Receiving real world experience is massive. It takes real hard work to get ahead in your career, but you can accomplish this while having a lot of fun. It’s crucial to first understand and grasp the importance of real world experience while in college.

What Dardis intern success stories do you share with prospective interns?
We spoke with one of the top sellers this past year at our Great Recruiters Meeting. He loved his Dardis experience. He spoke about his freedom to set his own schedule during the summer as long as he got his work done. He challenged himself while learning to work smart.

In one word, what’s Dardis all about?
Communication.

How can students contact you for more information?
You can contact me by email at nicholas@dardisinc.com or by phone at 402-995-1167.

Recruitment Manager Spotlight: Courtney Conklin

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Courtney Conklin, a member of our passionate recruiting team, truly believes that the Dardis Classroom to Career internship program is a valuable experience for any college student:

“The internship is for anyone and any major.  If you are a student who is willing to work hard and work smart, you are going to be successful, just like our previous graduates!” she  said.

Courtney travels across the state of Illinois with this very message as she searches for the best and brightest students for our Classroom to Career internship program. While the May 1 application deadline is months away, all of our recruitment managers encourage students and their parents to spend time over the holiday season discussing summer internship opportunities – including Dardis’ competitive program, which will serve as the gateway to future career success.

Learn more from Courtney in our latest recruitment manager spotlight:

What is the greatest benefit of the Dardis Classroom to Career internship program?
There are so many benefits of our Classroom to Career program!  If I had to choose the greatest benefit, I would choose personal growth.  From start to finish, students are working with a variety of professionals from different backgrounds while gaining real-life experience.  This growth and experience allows the Dardis intern to mature and develop on both a personal and professional level.

What sets the Dardis internship apart from other internship opportunities?
Dardis Academy provides the two main things employers are looking for in an applicant: communication skills and real-world experience.  Students are not only learning valuable skills in the classroom, but they are able to then apply those skills in the field. After completing our program, our graduates are a fully-trained, proven asset to any organization!

Why do you think it’s important for students to gain real life career experience while in college?
Real-world experience is the #1 thing employers look for on a resume.  Our internship provides students with that experience, giving our students the competitive edge they need to set themselves apart from other applicants.

In one word, what’s Dardis all about?
Opportunity.

How can students contact you for more information?
Students can contact me at courtney@dardisinc.com or 563-940-7547, as well as Facebook and LinkedIn.

Recruitment Manager Spotlight: Amy Jo Troyer

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Dardis Recruitment Manager Amy Jo Troyer has been busy connecting with prospective students in her designated region of Kansas. From career fairs to classroom presentations to hosting campus information sessions, Amy Jo continues to spread the word about the exciting Classroom to Career internship program in anticipation of the May 1, 2014 application deadline.

Her dedication to the Dardis mission shines through her work every day, but Amy Jo says that her efforts are most importantly supported by the real life success stories from past interns. Read on to learn more about her perspective on this great opportunity for students that will ensure they walk across the stage at graduation with purpose.

What is the greatest benefit of the Dardis Classroom to Career internship program?
The dynamic experience! You’ll be part of a team that values you, supports you and celebrates your success. You’ll learn valuable skills that apply to every facet of your life, both personal and professional. You’ll reap the benefits of seeing a task through until the end because you’ve committed to doing so. And, most importantly, you ensure your future success. While others may walk across the stage at graduation with uncertainty, you will do so with great purpose.

What sets the Dardis internship apart from other internship opportunities?
We have far more in store for you than running errands. You will receive corporate level executive training and a roadmap for guaranteed success as an entrepreneur. You simply won’t get that anywhere else.

Why do you think it’s important for students to gain real life career experience while in college?
Plain and simple, it’s what employers want. Be the student that stands out in the crowd with a resume and experience that commands attention. This internship will enhance your education, develop your professional network and create great opportunity. Think of it this way – every week you spend with Dardis brings you closer to the top of the job candidate list your future employer will have!

In one word, what’s Dardis all about?
Greatness!

How can students contact you for more information?
Learn firsthand what high level executives at John Deere, Wells Fargo, Principal Financial Group and many more already know – we are the very best at what we do! For more information, you can contact me at 913-306-1412 or amyjo@dardisinc.com.

Experience Is Essential

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A recent poll showed that in 2012, 63 percent of the students in the Class of 2012 completed at least one internship, and 28 percent of students completed two. Internships are no longer an optional piece of the college experience. They represent a crucial component of any student’s resume, and the college students of today are recognizing that experience is essential in today’s job market.

Not all internships are created equal. Employment at a well-known company can jump off the page, but it’s the real world experience that will help you land the job and propel your career. Dardis’ Classroom to Career internship program combines the respect of the Dardis, Inc. umbrella of companies with the tangible pieces that students need in their working lives post-college.

Networking, communications skills and sales training all contribute to a successful career, but the hands-on experience in this unique internship program ensures students stand out among the rest. During the interview process, past Dardis interns can speak about specific customer experiences, selling techniques and high-profile presentations that will convey the sense of passion and motivation that recruiters look for in recent grads. While some interns focus on secretarial work, Dardis interns do the work and gain valuable experience along the way.

In our latest Recruitment Manager spotlight, Josh Martens shares more about this challenging and worthwhile internship experience:

What is the greatest benefit of the Dardis Classroom to Career internship program?
The opportunity to gain professional work experience.

What sets the Dardis internship apart from other internship opportunities?
Not only is there opportunity to gain experience, but it also takes students through executive level training, which will help them excel in their career after graduation, and also in the classroom until they graduate.

Why do you think it’s important for students to gain real life career experience while in college?
It is one of the major things that employers look for, and if a student expects to get a career after graduation, it is essential that they gain this before graduation.

In one word, what’s Dardis all about?
Professionalism.

How can students contact you for more information?
Students can call me at 402-650-0087 or email me at josh@dardisinc.com.

Recruitment Manager Spotlight: Tera Edmunds

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For Iowa Recruitment Manager Tera Edmunds, explaining the benefits of the Classroom to Career internship program to students is simple.

“What better way to spend your summer than getting paid, meeting new people, and making your resume shine?”

Dardis Academy is all of that and more – read on for more valuable information from Tera in our second recruitment manager spotlight:

What is the greatest benefit of the Dardis Classroom to Career internship program?
Not only are our students going to get high-level executive training, but they have the opportunity to apply those skills to a real-life, full-time, paid experience.  They will build their network, practice their communication skills, connect with leaders in their area and more.

What sets the Dardis internship apart from other internship opportunities?
It’s a paid opportunity for students to actually apply invaluable training to real-world experience.  No other internship can compete with our caliber of student training.  It is the competitive edge that students need to stand out from the crowd.

Why do you think it’s important for students to gain real life career experience while in college?
It is going to set students apart from other applicants.  Thousands of people are going to apply for the same position, and employers are looking for high-performing students that use their knowledge from the classroom and apply it to noteworthy experiences.  This is that noteworthy experience.  If you have the Dardis name on your resume, I guarantee that your resume will be put into the interview pile.

What Dardis intern success stories do you share with prospective interns?
One of the top-selling students from last summer already has job offers lined up.  He now has the ability to choose which path he’d like to go on because of his experience with Dardis.  As graduation draws near, some students desperately accept any position offered to them. This internship will open all kinds of doors. You will have the ability to design your future exactly how you want it.

In one word, what’s Dardis all about?
Experience.

Where can students find you?
Social media platforms, campus visits, information sessions, classroom presentations and more.  I will be all over the place and always communicating so that students know when I will be visiting a campus.

How can students contact you for more information?

Recruitment Manager Spotlight: Samantha Kheim

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As the weather changes and the holiday season looms around the corner, summer internship opportunities may be far from your mind.  Summer may be months away, but now is the time to explore your options to enhance your resume and prepare yourself for your post-graduation career.

At Dardis Academy, we have a team of recruitment managers dedicated to keeping your summer 2014 internship top of mind.  These recruitment managers tour their designated regions to attend career fairs, college information sessions and more to promote the unique Classroom to Career internship program with Dardis.

We will feature our recruitment managers regularly on this blog to share the true spirit of Dardis and encourage you or a college student in your life to apply for this life-changing internship!  Applications must be processed by May 1, but space is limited, so don’t delay!

In our first recruitment manager spotlight, we introduce Samantha Kheim:

What is the greatest benefit of the Dardis Classroom to Career internship program?
The ability to apply skills from the Academy as an entrepreneur.  I am also very excited to see young adults start their professional networking early on.

What sets the Dardis internship apart from other internship opportunities?
In most internships, students find themselves only exposed to the company through what they hear and see when they are making copies.  With Dardis, they are the business.

Why do you think it’s important for students to gain real life career experience while in college?
The #1 quality that employers look for on a resume is real world experience.  Even if your extracurricular activities and GPA are off the charts, they want to find someone who have proven experience getting a job done.

What Dardis intern success stories do you share with prospective interns?
My favorite success story is Elliot Salter.  Elliot went through the Dardis Academy in 2013 and was one of our top-sellers.  He is an example of working smart.  Elliott made $3,200 in a summer, when many of his peers were sitting at home.  He did all of that in about 30 hours per week.

In one word, what’s Dardis all about?
Development.

Where can students find you?
Culver-Stockton College, UMSL, Washington University, SLU, Webster University, Truman State University and more to come!

How can students contact you for more information?
Call me at 636.233.2189 or email any time at samantha@dardisinc.com.

A Successful Summer for Patrick Gibbs

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Our top sales leader for the 2013 Classroom to Career summer internship program, Patrick Gibbs, took a break from selling to share his perspective on his Dardis experience.  With sales totaling nearly $16,000 and priceless hours of on-the-job experience, it’s clear that Patrick had a successful summer.

How would you describe your Dardis Classroom to Career internship program experience in one word?
I think my summer is actually best described in two words – challenging and rewarding.  The summer was not easy, as every day was a new challenge, whether it was unexpected rejection or just finding the motivation to keep calling and stopping in places.

Overcoming these challenges was, by far, the most rewarding feeling that I’ve had.  Seeing that I was able to address obstacles and overcome them for both personal and financial reward left me feeling accomplished at the end of every day.

What was your most memorable sale of the summer?
For my last sale in June, I had to drive an hour and a half to Iowa City.  Two appointments had cancelled, and I was making the trip for one potential client.  The week had been long, and my sales were far lower than I wanted for that week.  I thought about rescheduling, but decided the morning of that I had made a commitment and would follow through.  The client asked if I would mind if his business partner also sat in, which I was more than happy to accommodate.  After the consultation, I determined that their needs together added up to the Elite Package.

I proposed that they take advantage of that package pricing and split it with just a few modifications.  They accepted, and I was the first person in the history of the company to sell our largest package option.  Needless to say, selling $4,257 worth of merchandise in one sitting was more than worth that trip!  This meant more to me than just a big sale because it reminded me to keep my head up when times got challenging and that hard work will always pay off in the end!

Would you recommend this internship program to your peers?
I would recommend this program to any of my peers.  No matter what your major is or where you want to end up in life, this internship will make you better prepared.  I had always considered myself a salesman by nature and very personable, and I was amazed at how much my interpersonal communication ability grew from the Dardis Academy and then practicing Greg Dardis’ training in the field.  The skills that you learn in the Dardis Classroom to Career internship program will prove to be what sets you apart from the rest of the pack in any career or lifestyle!

Regarding the Academy,  I was not looking forward to 40 hours of training, and I had not been a fan of any professional training that I had gotten before.  I expected to be bored and learn redundant information, but Greg and his entire team captivated me the entire time.  I can easily say that I learned more applicable skills in the Academy than three years of college.  This was an amazing opportunity, and I am so thankful that I gave this program a try.  I know that I learned skills that I will use for my entire life!

Congratulations, Patrick, on your successful summer!

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