testimonials

Internship Myths Explained

By | Classroom to Career | No Comments

Internships, especially with Dardis Academy, can serve as a springboard for a successful career. Many celebrities trace their success to their internship experiences, including:

  • Steven Spielberg
    He began an unofficial internship with Universal Studios at age 17, quietly networking with directors. Universal later offered him a seven-year contract.
  • Jodie Foster
    Before she was an Academy Award-winning actress, she took on a summer internship at Esquire in 1982.
  • Tom Hanks
    As a college student in Cleveland, Ohio, he interned for the Great Lakes Theater Festival. The internship led to a three-year tenure that gave him the confidence and theater production experience to launch his acting career.
  • Oprah Winfrey
    Most people know that the popular TV host had humble beginnings at a CBS affiliate in Nashville. Her hard work and passion paid off when she became the first African-American female news anchor.
  • Steve Jobs
    The late computer genius started as an intern at Hewlett-Packard where he met Steve Wozniak and later built the Apple empire.

Each of these famous professionals started with the job title of “intern” and embraced the opportunity to work and learn, a key component of the Dardis mission. Despite these highly-visible internship success stories, many people still struggle to see the value of internships and fall for unproven myths, such as:

Myth: You don’t get paid.
While many internships require students to work unpaid, Dardis interns can achieve financial success through the Classroom to Career program and even win a trip to Mexico!

Myth: You’re just wasting your time.
If you’re making copies from 9 to 5, then yes, you’re wasting your time, but if you’re gaining real-world experience and honing important skills that you’ll use throughout your career, then you’re investing in a meaningful experience that will set you apart after graduation. Dardis’ program is specifically structured to make the most out of your time and give you the skills and experience to succeed.

Myth: I’ll learn what I need to know in college.
The book work, group projects and other skills that you gain during your four years of undergraduate education will always be important, but to jumpstart your career, you need more than a college diploma. Dardis interns learn valuable work and life lessons because they have hands-on experience in the business world, and that’s something no college class can teach you.

Still not convinced of the importance of internships? Read through powerful testimonials from former interns, parents and business professionals and then apply for the 2014 Classroom to Career internship program to disprove the myths yourself. You won’t regret it.

Photo credit:  M.Ryan Photography via Flickr

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

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