professional training

May 30
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Dardis Academy: The Solid Foundation for Career Success

By | The Dardis difference | No Comments

As many college students turned in their final projects and exams to mark the end of the semester, another set of students hit the classroom once again even after their exams were complete. Nearly 175 students participated in the two Dardis Academy training sessions in May held in Chicago and Des Moines. Designed as an application-based, skills-drive training, this one-week intensive course prepares students for the upcoming Dardis Classroom to Career internship program and beyond.

Dardis1While thousands of young people enter the workforce every year, research shows that most college grads do not possess the skills that companies look for in candidates. A National Association of Colleges and Employers survey of more than 200 employers shows that the vast majority of employers look for candidates who are team players, problem solvers and can plan, organize and prioritize their work.  It’s the soft skills – not the textbook knowledge – that really sets candidates apart, which is what we focus on in the Academy.

We tailor the Academy based on these effective adult learning methods:

  • Interactive coaching from professional instructors
  • Strong role modeling
  • Individual practice against real-world challenges

“During the Academy, we had extensive training on presentation skills and selling techniques. I learned a lot about how I present myself, and this has already helped me outside of the internship when I’m making presentations for class, as well as talking to people in a business setting.”
– Jon S., 2012 Dardis Academy Graduate, University of Iowa

Students receive more than $6,000 worth of executive training from seasoned business professional focused on crucial topics such as:Dardis3

  • Presentation skills
  • Professional image skills
  • Selling techniques
  • Closing and negotiation skills
  • Business etiquette
  • Telephone/voicemail/email etiquette
  • Overcoming objections and handling questions
  • Product features and benefits
  • Time and territory management

Armed with these practical skills, students are prepared to succeed in our summer internship program and, most importantly, in their careers as they use their business and sales skills to first get the job and then excel in their future positions.

Apr 25
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Find Your Leaders of Tomorrow with the Dardis Career Partner Program

By | The Dardis difference | No Comments

Thousands of college seniors toss their graduation caps each spring ready to hit the job market, forcing employers to sift through a saturated pool of prospective entry-level employees without knowing if the recent grads have the real-life skills to back up their degrees.

Successful companies invest in the next generation of professionals, and through the Dardis Career Partner Program, we can connect you with young employees in our Classroom to Career internship program that are poised to advance your organization into the future.

Students in the Classroom to Career internship program complete formal, skills-based training through the Dardis Academy where they learn important presentation skills, professional image skills, business etiquette, selling techniques and more. Once complete, they spend a summer putting their skills into action selling quality, professional clothing in their communities. The program serves as a crucial opportunity for students to gain real-life, professional experience that will bridge the gap from the college classroom to the business world.

“A partnership with Dardis is an innovative way to reach some of the most driven, achievement oriented and brightest students in the country.”
– Greg Dardis, CEO & President

As a participant in the Dardis Career Partner Program, companies can send a representative to attend the full Dardis Academy training session, allowing them to interact with the students, track their progress throughout the summer and reconnect with them to offer a future position at their company.

Career Partners have full access to Classroom to Career program graduates through an alumni database of resumes, and Dardis also maintains a job posting section on our website exclusively for Career Partners. We communicate with Career Partners throughout the year to connect you with quality candidates that we believe would be a good match for your organization.

Other benefits include:

  • Marketing of your brand
  • Access to student assessments
  • Log-in to our alumni database
  • Invitation to networking events
  • Weekly newsletter
  • Placement assistance and recommendations

Career Partners have unprecedented access to proven, motivated young professionals that represent the best of the best. Dardis’ first partners include Cottingham & Butler and GreatAmerica Financial Services. We continue to seek new partners ready to work with the business leaders of tomorrow at the upcoming Dardis Academy that begins May 13 in Chicago.

To learn more about the Dardis Career Partner program and to register, visit www.dardisacademy.com/career-partner-program.

Photo credit: Maryland GovPics via Flickr

Jan 17
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Your Dardis Academy Quick Reference Guide

By | The Dardis difference | No Comments

At Dardis Academy, we’ve seen our internship program grow because of our passionate Recruitment Managers, our social media presence and our biggest advocates – the interns themselves! The testimonials from students, parents and professionals prove that the skills and experience that make up this unique internship program are invaluable for any career path.

You can always learn about the Dardis mission via our website, but if you’re new to Dardis Academy or a longtime friend, here is a quick reference guide describing the Dardis difference.

What is the Classroom to Career program?
Our internship program includes a week-long executive-level training program followed by 12 weeks in the student’s hometown selling quality professional clothing from Dardis Clothiers. Students manage their own schedule, approach prospective customers and deliver presentations highlighting our products features and benefits before asking for the business and gaining referrals. This real world business experience gives students the competitive advantage in the job market.

Why clothes?
Image in the workplace is key to success. Through Dardis Communications training courses, the Dardis team identified the opportunity to help men that don’t like to shop but want and need to look good.

Do I get paid?
Yes! Students have the opportunity to directly impact the amount of money they earn based on the work they put forth during the summer working with clients. High-performing interns also have a chance to win a trip to Mexico!

Why is training a part of the program?
The Dardis Academy is designed to provide students with the skills they will need to be successful in life and business, as well as a platform in which to apply the skills they’ve learned.  For one week, students are trained in various courses by corporate executives and sales managers who have put into practice everything they teach.  Courses include presentation skills, professional image, sales training, product knowledge, success principles, time and territory management, business ethics, financial strategy and safety.

How do I apply? When is the deadline?
Students can complete the simple application online. The priority application deadline is May 1, but don’t delay, spots fill up fast!

For more frequently asked questions, visit www.dardisacademy.com/faq/.

Photo credit: shutterhacks via Flickr

Dec 20
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Executive-level Training Provides the Competitive Edge

By | Someone you should know | No Comments

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.

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.

Oct 11
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Beyond the Classroom: Preparing for the “Real World”

By | Classroom to Career | No Comments

Most high school students close their lockers for the last time and toss their caps at graduation thinking that college is final preparation for entry into the “real world.”  At a basic level, that’s true.  A college education can provide students with the book smarts and social experiences needed to jump start an adult life, as well as a career.

But do four (sometimes more!) years at a university really prepare students for challenges found in the workplace?

One study followed 2,300 undergraduates from 2005 to 2007 and found that 36 percent of students did not demonstrate significant improvement in key measures of critical thinking, complex reasoning and writing.  If book knowledge did not increase, it’s likely that other skills did not, as well.  While only one study, students have to wonder, will I really be ready to graduate?

Melinda Boisjolie, an intern for the National Association for College Admission Counseling, may have said it best:

“It is a tough realization, but a college degree does not automatically translate into a job.  Experience and involvement are just as important, if not more important than high grades.  While the significance of grades depends on your major and what you intend to do after your undergraduate years, they don’t mean anything if you do not know how to effectively communicate with others.”

Effective communication.  Experience and involvement.  This is where Dardis comes in.

Through our Classroom to Career internship program, college students gain real life business experience after completing professional training to set them apart when they apply for their first job and beyond.  In the Dardis Academy, interns learn the skills they will need on the job, including selling techniques, presentation skills, time management and more.  Following the Academy, our interns use their skills to sell quality, professional clothing, while putting their new skills to the test.

It’s not about the clothes or even the financial benefits that successful students can lean on after a well-spent summer.  It’s about equipping students with the real world skills and experiences that they will need to succeed post-graduation.

According to a 2012 Internships.com survey, 66 percent of employers believe interview performance and relevant work experience are the most important factors in their hiring decisions—far more significant than strong academic performance.

Combined with a quality education, Dardis interns have what it takes to not only get the job, but to do well in whatever they do.  Learn more about the benefits of our internship program today and recommend the Classroom to Career program to a college student in your life.

 

Photo credit: CollegeDegrees360, Flickr

Contact Dardis today to learn more. Contact Us