Tip: Strategically Align with College Programs to Fill Positions - Modern Distribution Management

Log In

Tip: Strategically Align with College Programs to Fill Positions

Mutually beneficial partnerships can ensure qualified candidates in the future.
mtow-blog-image
Author
Date

For college students to see distribution as a viable career choice, companies should build a presence on campuses beyond career fairs, says Beverly Propst, senior vice president, human resources, Graybar, St. Louis, MO, in College Connection: ‘Virtuous Cycle.’

Since most distribution companies are not well-known, they are at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to college recruiting. Strategically aligning with a college distribution program – which can include hiring interns, helping develop curriculum, guest lecturing or funding scholarships – can differentiate a company from a competitor while helping to mold college students into potential employees.

According to Propst, the keys to a successful college partnership are having a consistent presence and making sure there is mutual benefit. “It can’t be a one-sided relationship – they’re providing us access to their students, and we also feel we need to provide something to them, so we try to find out what we can do to help them,” she says.

By strategically aligning with colleges, companies are not only ensuring that more students consider distribution as a career choice, they are making sure those students have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the industry.

Read more about the benefits of college partnerships in College Connection: ‘Virtuous Cycle.’

Share this article

About the Author
Recommended Reading
Leave a Reply

Leave a Comment

Sign Up for the MDM Update Newsletter

The MDM update newsletter is your best source for news and trends in the wholesale distribution industry.

Get the MDM Update Newsletter

Wholesale distribution news and trends delivered right to your inbox.

Sign-up for our free newsletter and get:

  • Up-to-date news in a quick-to-read format
  • Free access to webcasts, podcasts and live events
  • Exclusive whitepapers, research and reports
  • And more!

2

articles left

Want more Premium content from MDM?

Subscribe today and get:

  • New issues twice each month
  • Unlimited access to mdm.com, including 10+ years of archived data
  • Current trends analysis, market data and economic updates
  • Discounts on select store products and events

Subscribe to continue reading

MDM Premium Subscribers get:

  • Unlimited access to MDM.com
  • 1 year digital subscription, with new issues twice a month
  • Trends analysis, market data and quarterly economic updates
  • Deals on select store products and events

1

article
left

You have one free article remaining

Subscribe to MDM Premium to get unlimited access. Your subscription includes:

  • Two new issues a month
  • Access to 10+ years of archived data on mdm.com
  • Quarterly economic updates, trends analysis and market data
  • Store and event discounts

To continue reading, you must be an MDM Premium subscriber.

Join other distribution executives who use MDM Premium to optimize their business. Our insights and analysis help you enter the right new markets, turbocharge your sales and marketing efforts, identify business partners that help you scale, and stay ahead of your competitors.

Register for full access

By providing your email, you agree to receive announcements from us and our partners for our newsletter, events, surveys, and partner resources per MDM Terms & Conditions. You can withdraw consent at any time.

Learn More about Custom Reports

Request a Market Prospector Demo

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.