Converse and IKON, Inc Partnership to Benefit Students

IKON Office Solutions, Inc. has formed a partnership with Converse College to identify and recruit students for positions within the company. IKON will officially begin recruiting graduating Converse seniors during Spring Term. The world’s largest independent distributor for copier and printer technologies, IKON has approximately 600 locations throughout North America and Europe.

“As part of the partnership, representatives from IKON will conduct seminars and job fairs on the Converse campus throughout the year to inform our students of available positions,” said Ruby Brown-Herring, Director of Career Services. Particular emphasis will be placed on sales, human resources, and management. IKON representatives will also participate in the popular Careers Over Lunch series coordinated by Career Services.

According to Brown-Herring, the IKON/Converse joint venture reflects a national trend of relationships between business organizations and colleges. It is the type of partnership she has been trying to build since her arrival at Converse. “Increasingly, colleges throughout the country are establishing relationships with companies like IKON,” she said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for the students because they are able to get a close-up look at the way the company operates and what they are looking for in an employee.”

Steven Eck of IKON said the pairing is a win-win situation for both parties. “As a company, IKON wants qualified individuals who can communicate effectively, develop strong business partnerships, and possess the ability to deal with change and learn on the fly,” he said. “The strong liberal arts education that Converse students receive provides them with a wide array of opportunities designed to develop these valuable skill sets.”