Trulaske senior hits a homerun at summer internship in St. Louis

Thanks to a pair of career fairs hosted by Delta Sigma Pi – Alpha Beta and the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business, Trulaske senior Chloe Conway established a connection that led to a summer internship with Dexian, a global workforce solutions provider in Creve Coeur, Missouri. For Conway, a marketing major graduating in December, the internship provided the perfect opportunity to prove she’s a real MVP. 

Can you give us an overview of your summer internship?

Conway: Dexian is a global provider of staffing, IT, and workforce solutions. IT and non-IT job orders are both covered in the St. Louis office. As a non-IT intern, I worked closely with the non-IT recruiters and account managers. I successfully made seven deals over the course of the summer, adding up to $54 in gross product (GP) spread!

The internship program also offered an opportunity for philanthropy. I worked with a team of interns spanning 10 different offices nationwide. Our group decided to put on a professional dress clothing drive for the Salvation Army. It was a huge success, and we managed to collect over $500 of professional clothing.

Near the end of my internship, I also had the opportunity to present a business development plan to my mentors, managing directors, and the vice president of sales. This expanded my knowledge of the sales side of Dexian and the staffing industry.

What made this experience impactful?

Conway: The people. I had no expectations going in, but I was blown away by Dexian’s culture — especially the STL office. My mentors, and my fellow interns’ mentors, were always eager to help and provide guidance. I wouldn’t have been as successful without them. 

You received an honor this summer during your internship. Can you tell us more about that?

Conway: My honors include finishing Phase 1 of the internship (the first three weeks) as the #2 intern in the nation out of 51 interns. In Phase 2 (the second three weeks), I was the #1 intern. This was awarded based on our key performance indicators (KPIs) and merit. I also earned a $750 professional dress shopping spree, because I surpassed $45 GP spread earned from deals made. I am very proud of these accomplishments. 

What did you gain from this experience?

Conway: I gained confidence in professional settings during my internship. Throughout the summer, I had the opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries. At first, making phone calls and pitching to new people each day felt intimidating, but I quickly realized that what I was offering had real value and the potential to positively impact their lives. This perspective not only made the experience rewarding, but also helped me build stronger communication and relationship-building skills. I also learned that it pays to be intellectually curious, something my managing director told me in our weekly meetings. 

What advice would you give to other interns?

Conway: Ask questions. It may feel embarrassing or like common sense, but your mentors are there to help you. They will learn from you as you are learning from them during your time there. Take the feedback they give you graciously and apply it where you can. Don't let imposter syndrome stop you from getting out of your comfort zone and learning all you can. 

What are you bringing with you from this experience as you return to Trulaske?

Conway: One of the most valuable things I am bringing back to Trulaske is the network of connections I built this summer. Working with mentors, managers, and my fellow interns reinforced the value of strong relationships, and I plan to keep those connections strong over the course of my last semester here and my future career. 

I would also love to share my experience and knowledge about careers in staffing with any student that is interested!

Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.