internships

Apr 24
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How to Bridge the Gaps between College and the Real World

By | Career Advice | No Comments

The college experience gives students the opportunity to learn, explore and grow their minds and independence. And most college students believe that the skills they learn on campus are preparing them for the real world, but many employers disagree.

A study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) compared responses from employers and college students to questions related to career preparation, and in many key categories, college students appear to have missed the mark. While college students think they have the relevant skills to succeed after graduation, fewer than three in 10 employers think that college grads have the ability to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. They also think that this group lacks critical thinking skills and written and oral communication skills.

So how can college students bridge the gap between college and the real world? Here are a few ways to start:

Gap #1: Hard knowledge vs. soft skills
Memorizing theories, concepts and equations may land you an “A” on your next exam, but just reciting hard facts won’t get you far on the job. Work to make connections in your classes that will help you apply the high-level knowledge you’re taking in every day, and focus on building the soft skills that so many grads lack. Push yourself to deliver a top notch presentation or take the lead on a group project. Those experiences will help you in the long run.

Gap #2: Study life vs. work life
Class, study, friends, sleep and repeat. That’s how most college students spend their four years on campus, but once you land your first job, your schedule will adjust to accommodate the nine-to-five grind along with the many adult responsibilities that come with it. To prepare yourself for this switch, look for ways to get valuable and relevant work experience while in college. You’ll get used to a more realistic work schedule, while also bolstering your resume.

Gap #3: Short-term goals vs. long-term vision
With your eyes focused on graduation, it can be easy to forget about the career that awaits you. Short-term goals will guide you through your final semesters, but you also need to start building the foundation for a long-term vision. It can be daunting to think of your life years down the road, but by outlining your long-term career vision, even in broad terms, you can focus your job search to the companies and positions that will get you where you want to be quicker than your peers.

By recognizing the gaps that exist between your college experience and the real world that lies just beyond graduation, you can focus on honing the skills that matter, both to your future employer and your future career.

Jan 30
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The Tools You Need to Succeed

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Standing out in today’s saturated job market represents a challenge for all undergrads. A college diploma is no longer enough to get you the job as hundreds of similarly-qualified young professionals compete for every entry-level job, sometimes even with experienced professionals looking for a new direction.

To ensure your resume lands on top, you need a combination of soft skills and experiential learning experiences – along with your college degree.

Soft Skills

As a college student, you likely spend most of your time hitting the books to learn facts and methodologies. But in the real world, book smarts won’t carry you through the Monday through Friday grind. Employers know this, which is why they look for well-rounded candidates that have honed their minds through college but have also focused on developing the soft skills that make a positive impact in the workplace.

Presentation skills, maintaining a professional image and following proper business etiquette are just a few of the soft skills that many college grads lack. Look for business clubs on campus that will help you develop these soft skills and seek opportunities within your regular course load to learn how to effectively work in teams and set goals – two other important soft skills.

Experiential Learning

“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”
– Aristotle

While research shows that the majority of learning comes through experience, our education system relies highly on instructor-led training in a formal setting to teach future professionals. There’s a significant missed opportunity for development that can only come from experiential learning – the process of making meaning from direct experience.

Combined with your college courses, you should be applying what you learn through internships, volunteer work and job shadowing. Explore different job fields and actually try your hand at different tasks. You can then leverage these experiences through your resume and interviews post-graduation.

By combining the knowledge you gain through your college education with a variety of soft skills and experiential learning experiences, you will have the real-world tools you need to land your first job and succeed throughout your career.

Photo credit: Sean Svadilfari via Flickr

Nov 22
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Recruitment Manager Spotlight: Amy Jo Troyer

By | Someone you should know | No Comments

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.

Jun 21
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Introducing Student Manager Hilary Sweet

By | Someone you should know | No Comments

The Dardis Clothiers interns began selling earlier this month under the guidance of the skilled Dardis Clothiers Student Managers. These Student Managers oversee a group of interns, providing industry-leading expertise and additional networking experience.

Hilary Sweet, 33, joined the Dardis family this year as a Student Manager with 10 years of sales experience and six years of retail experience under her belt.  This Iowa State graduate from Alburnett, Iowa is looking forward to helping others learn the business skills she has gained over the years, while also growing in her own career at a large insurance agency.

What do you most look forward to with your role as a student manager?
I look forward to a new challenge and the opportunity to learn just as much from my students as they will learn from me.

What advice will you give to the new Dardis student interns?
When you go out into the field to use the skills that you have learned from the Academy, you should not be discouraged when it comes to selling. You are always going to have the people that tell you “no,” but it’s the ones that tell you “yes” that will make all of those rejections null and void.

What are you first impressions about Dardis as a company?
I think Dardis Communications is a great company. I believe that every college and high school student needs to experience the Dardis Sales Academy before going out into the work force. I believe it’s going to teach the students to interact better and to give them the soft skills that they need to succeed.

What can clients expect by interacting with Dardis’ student interns?
Clients can expect a great set of students that are applying in the field what they have learned in the Academy. It’s a great way for the students to interact within the business world by earning college credits and overcoming any obstacles they may face.

May 31
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Angie Bennett: A Lifelong Teacher

By | Someone you should know | No Comments

 

Before Angie Bennett joined the Dardis team at the company’s inception, she was a high school teacher for 14 years, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they would need post-graduation. Now she nurtures her love for teaching and coaching students on real life skills through her role as Senior Instructor and Vice President of Sales for Dardis Communications, Inc., working for both Dardis Communications and Dardis Academy.

“I love arming students with skills that will give them that competitive edge, as well as strategies on communication and professional image,” Angie said.

Read on to learn more about this lifelong teacher.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Every day looks different, as I get the opportunity to meet, work with and coach a wide range of individuals. We get to witness high school and college students putting real life skills to use including communication skills, selling skills and managing time through our 10-week internship. Our Classroom to Career internship pushes students to put into practice things they are studying and learning to give them a competitive edge. The Dardis Sales Academy is the ultimate gateway in which students can strategically move from classroom to career. Employers want experience, and they want individuals with practical, hands-on skills. Dardis gives our student interns the competitive edge they need to be successful.

You also work as a recruiter for the Dardis Clothiers student reps. What do you usually look for in a good candidate?

Great candidates for the Dardis Academy are competitive, hardworking, high energy and positive. Individuals that are driven and understand the importance of real life experience are typically successful with Dardis.

What do you think sets Dardis Clothiers apart from other menswear stores?

Three core reasons – product, price and convenience. We have great fabrics, including non-iron dress shirts, trousers that fit great and tons of choices in neckwear. Our prices are unbelievable because we take out the middle person, design our own clothing and make it in bulk. On average our clients save 40 percent! Convenience is huge, as we have student reps that travel right to your door, and then we ship everything directly to you. You never have to go to the mall or a store again to purchase business casual or business attire.

Do you have a favorite customer story or experience?

One specific story that sticks out to me is a man that was referred to me by his wife. His wife said she wanted him to feel more confident and to feel positive about his look. We met and discussed colors, fit and gaps in his wardrobe. We put together an order, and a few days later after he received his clothing, I got an email from his wife. She said that seeing her husband confident and feeling good meant the world to her. She also mentioned that her husband has completely sworn off traditional shopping forever and was calling his friends telling them his personal shopping experience.

What would you say to someone who is interested in shopping with Dardis Clothiers for the first time?

You will be pleasantly surprised as to how much fun you will have, the quality of clothing you will receive and just how easy it is! My clients appreciate having a resource for their clothing needs and wants, and they love knowing that they can email or call me, and I will take care of it for them. We build a relationship with our clients and truly value them.

Contact Dardis today to learn more. Contact Us