SCREEN Americas Collaborates with University of Missouri Trulaske College of Business’ Inside Sales Lab

September 22, 2020

University students to participate in real-world call center experiences while assisting SCREEN in their virtual communications initiative.

SCREEN Americas is embarking on an innovative collaboration with the University of Missouri Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business, in which students of the university go from classroom to workplace in the same day. In conjunction with the university, SCREEN is employing student interns to work in the college’s Inside Sales Lab, led by instructors, to help implement more virtual customer contact opportunities. Students are realizing real-life working scenarios while completing their studies and fulfilling the requirements of a sales certificate program, thus allowing them to be better equipped for future career opportunities.

Wayne Keene, director of the college’s Center for Sales and Customer Development, has been instrumental in developing the program. Keene says the Inside Sales Lab is helping to bring the future forward. “Developing the students’ abilities using real-world experiences, or what we call ‘experiential learning’, is essential for newcomers in today’s business environment,” states Keene. “The Trulaske College of Business is continually pushing the envelope in how students learn, which then helps them push the boundaries of knowledge.”

With today’s evolving business climate, SCREEN recognizes it has become increasingly more crucial to find innovative ways to extend ongoing communication efforts with existing customers and new prospects. The company, known for its cutting-edge technologies in a variety of industries, seeks to develop and advance future business opportunities by working closely with the university in developing this innovative way to stay connected to customers and markets. Ken Ingram, president of SCREEN Americas, shares his thoughts about the company's progressive strategy. “SCREEN is staying in front of the evolving business climate with VR-enabled demos, the new Customer Experience Center, and computer-based calls with customers and prospects. This call center approach aligns perfectly with our ongoing objectives.”

Getting college graduates excited about a decades-old industry in this highly digital world brings its own challenges. Cultivating ties to this new work force is another innovative approach that SCREEN has taken to set themselves apart from their competitors. “Print providers have rapidly been evolving into marketing providers for their customers. And finding talent that is already accustomed to print as a viable part of omni-channel marketing campaigns can be challenging,” states Mark Schlimme, vice president of marketing at SCREEN Americas. “Introducing print as a pivotal tool in the marketing toolbox helps give the students a clear advantage as they begin their careers.”

Keene is excited about the collaboration efforts that SCREEN is fostering. “Having a well-reputed business in alignment with the college’s view on learning is invaluable. And seeing these students gain confidence in their selling techniques is truly exciting.”