Letter from the President

As a result of the vast growth of the Internet and technology over the past decade, advances in the field of direct/interactive marketing, have stirred the creative spirit of this field and dramatically changed the future potential of a career in this arena. What lies ahead is ripe with potential and promise, and nowhere is this demonstrated more than at the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation.

Identifying gifted college-age individuals and opening doors for them as they pursue an education – and ultimately a career – in direct/interactive marketing is what distinguishes the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (DMEF) from any other foundation across the country. Our success is measured on our ability to attract, educate, and place top students in entry-level positions throughout this ever-changing field.  

Never has our mission been more critical. Preparing today’s students for success, as well as leadership, is not only our role, it’s our responsibility! We take pride in knowing that hundreds of corporations and individuals in the direct/interactive community have willingly and generously donated their dollars, services, time and expertise to the DMEF in order to establish a standard of excellence in educational programs and activities.  

At a time when direct marketing is being recognized as the most dynamic area within the marketing arena, it’s thrilling to play such a crucial role within this community. There’s no doubt this field is a hotbed of professional opportunity, excitement, and growth. It is our mission to spread the news among students and educators so they know about, and ultimately take advantage of, these vast and expansive career opportunities.  

But, this charge is nothing new for the DMEF. For more than 40 years, we have been a catalyst for the expansion of direct/interactive marketing, to fulfill the growing demand for outstanding, skilled college and university graduates. And, yet, in some ways it feels like we’re just getting started!

Throughout this website you’ll see innovation in action. I would even venture to say that you’ll find surprises galore. Not only will you get a chance to learn more about the vast career opportunities in direct/interactive marketing, but you’ll see how the DMEF is making resources available to professors nationwide (if not worldwide) to ensure they have the most up-to-date information and tools to support world-class teaching to prepare talent for today’s marketplace. And, for those companies interested in placing college and university students in internships and entry-level positions, no doubt you’ll be impressed by our GoDirect! job bank, which combines state-of-the art technology with a staff committed to making this the most useful tool out there.  

If you haven’t gotten the message yet, make no mistake about it – we are here to serve you, whether you’re a student exploring the field of direct/interactive marketing, an educator interested in or already engaged in the field, or a corporate representative committed to finding the best talent available among the most skilled and eager students entering the workplace today.

For the past 40 years the DMEF has made a critical difference in generating resources to enrich the education of this field, and I also believe there is much more that we can contribute. Through continued innovation, creative development and dedication, DMEF and our many partners will continue to work toward goals that none of us can achieve alone. I look forward to working with you as we forge a new future for countless students as they enter this vast field of marketing direct.

Sincerely,

Terri L. Bartlett