For the past three years, faculty from the apparel, events and hospitality management program have taken trips to visit various leading apparel industries based in the Midwest. 

Because some students are interested in staying in the Midwest, these trips have helped build industry relations between companies and Iowa State, helping many students secure internships and future career positions.

Three years ago, faculty members visited the corporate headquarters of Payless Shoes in Topeka, Kan., and two years ago they visited Van Maur in Davenport, Iowa, and Lands’ End in Dodgeville, Wis. This year they visited Kohl’s in Menomonee Falls, Wis.

While the entire department faculty had the opportunity to go, this year’s trip only worked into the schedules of six faculty members.

“We feel, as a faculty, that we learn a lot from going on-site to industry settings and getting information and knowledge because you can only best understand by seeing it firsthand,” said Linda Niehm, associate professor of apparel, events and hospitality management.

On these trips, the faculty takes tours of the facilities and speak with leading industry professionals to gain insight on what they do and what they are looking for from students seeking employment. 

“We wanted to learn from them what we can teach our students, what skills they really value and what they’re looking for, so that we can better prepare our students in that way,” said Ann Thye, academic adviser for apparel, events and hospitality management.

While the faculty visits companies, they also take time to meet with the ISU alumni who currently work at the companies.

“It was great to reconnect with them and get a picture of how the knowledge they gain through their degree at Iowa State helped them and also what areas they think need strengthened,” Niehm said.

The faculty that attends the trips use the information gained to assist their teaching, bring company information into classrooms and to learn new insight for students.

“Having fresh, real examples is fantastic and helps in classes,” Niehm said.

As an academic adviser, Thye looks at what the companies say they are looking for and uses it to point students in the right direction when applying for internships.

“It helps people when I’ve actually been to a location to be able to describe to them what the company is looking for and what their work environment is,” Thye said.

The faculty plans to continue annual trips to different businesses as well as bring businesses to Iowa State.

“Our faculty is really committed to providing a great learning experience for students, and I think the only way to do that is to be current,” Niehm said. “Since we don’t have time to teach and work in the industry, this is the next best option to have a fresh experience for our students.”