Job shadow opportunities from Kirkwood in the information solutions field can show you the wide variety of careers available in this field.
Put yourself on the path to achieving your goals. Learn about roles such as software developer, graphic designer, interior designer, computer user support specialist, journalist, web designer and developer, and photographer/videographer.
Explore the opportunities listed below, when you find the career exploration event you'd like to attend, write down its name so it is handy when you fill out your application.
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Career exploration days offer a great introduction to specific career fields and allow you to explore a broad scope of careers within that industry, all in one shadow experience. Career Exploration Days are a great option for initial exploration of a specific career or industry.
Are you interested in a career field in the Arts? Come learn about 3D art and what we are up to at Kirkwood’s main campus in Cedar Rapids. First, we will heat things up a bit with a demonstration from Kirkwood’s Glass and Sculpture Instructor Christopher Gray. Then, while Christopher cools down from the demonstration, you’ll work in Kirkwood’s flat glass studio and make your very own fused glass mosaic coaster. There will be time to ask questions and view artwork from previous students and visiting artists in the displays. Held Dec. 15th, 2026 and May 4th, 2027.
Interested in broadcast meteorology, weather and forecasting, or hydrology? This career exploration will show you a day in the life of a broadcast meteorologist. You will also get a tour of a news station, ask the meteorologists questions about the career and their journey getting in the field, and learn more about weather opportunities both in front of and behind the camera.
Are you interested in a career in art? Curious what it’s like to turn creativity into a career? Come spend quality time with local artist and entrepreneur Brandy Parsons for a fun, hands-on experience where you’ll paint, hear her story, ask questions, and learn what it takes to run your own creative business.
The world of Digital Arts features careers in fast-paced, and diverse areas of media technology including photography, film and audio production, visual arts, graphic design, and social media marketing. A strong multi-media foundation prepares you for a career in the expanding fields of visual communications and media production.Explore these exciting opportunities through hands-on demonstrations and experience using state-of-the-art technology in areas of photography, video & audio production, and graphic design. Cap of 24. Held on Friday, Nov. 13th, 2026.
Do you love performing, teaching, or diving into the world of composing, arts administration, or creative collaboration? If you are passionate about music, and want to build a future around it, this career exploration day could be your perfect starting note. Meet the professors and explore the Music Department at Kirkwood - which is the only accredited Community College music program in the state of Iowa. Become introduced to careers such as Professional Musician or Singer; Music Director, Educator, or Composer; Private Music Instructor or Group Lessons Leader; and Instrument Repair Technician, Tuner, or Retail Specialist. Held on Dec. 3, 2026. Cap of 20.
Learn to create a fashion magazine! Strut through the basics of photoshoot planning. Tailor styling tips to fit your vibe. Strike a pose or two like a professional model. Get a taste of graphic design through composition and layout of a magazine spread, and see your face splashed across the cover. Learn about the fashion-related careers of Fashion Stylist, Model, Fashion Editor, Creative Director/Art Director, and Set Manager/Production Assistant at this exciting career exploration day! Held October 23rd, 2026.
Have you ever wondered what types of careers exist within Interior Design? Get a different perspective from Tara & Allison at The Design House in Hiawatha! Tara & Allison have been helping customers with Interior Design for over a decade. Come experience design software, color selections, furniture, cabinetry, and other designing elements. Held on Oct. 6th, 2026. Cap of 12.
Explore all aspects of digital and creative marketing at Clickstop! A leader in e-commerce, you’ll be shown how they live out their core value: ‘Think Big and Make it Happen!’ every day through a unique team culture. Learn about careers in graphic design, videography/photography, SEM/PPC, email and social media marketing, and web development. Being exceptional at internet marketing is critical to the success of Clickstop’s brands. Held in late October. Cap of 20.
Interested in a career in marketing and working for an organization that gives back to the community? Through small group round table discussions, you will be able to hear about a typical day in the life of content creators, graphic designers, and digital marketing experts from local nonprofit organizations. Cap of 25.
Have you ever wondered who is behind the giant video screens and great sound of an outdoor concert or event? If your interests are in audio, video production/editing, staging, lighting, media or event planning and production, this group job shadow is a great fit for you. You will learn about the high demand careers in this exciting field of live event management and production hosted by local industry expert Wired Production Group. Held on Dec. 2nd, 2026. Cap of 12 per session.
Step behind the scenes of a TV station and explore the world of meteorology from two unique perspectives—weather broadcasting and consulting. Hear directly from industry professionals as they share how they forecast, communicate, and apply weather data in real-world settings. Students will get an inside look at forecasting tools, studio operations, and the many career paths within this dynamic field. Perfect for those interested in science, weather patterns, or problem-solving. Cap of 8. Held on Tuesday, Nov. 10th, 2026 from 10:00am-12:00pm.
Do you love music? Do you enjoy playing musical instruments? Come explore how you can build your passion for music into a career. This career exploration experience is hosted by Schultz Strings, the leading source of string instruments in Eastern Iowa. You will shadow a current music instructor, sales person, and repair technician and learn about music instruction, repair, and the fine instrument industry. Held October 29, 3:00-5:00pm. Cap of 10.
Join the staff from Theatre Cedar Rapids for a two-hour introduction to the theater. Receive a behind-the-scenes tour of TCR and an overview of careers within the theater, including acting, set design, directing, costume design, writing, marketing/promotion, and more. Held Oct. 29th, 2026 and May 6th, 2027.
Owner, Jen Lewis, will be giving you a real behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work as a professional photographer. She specializes in seniors, sports, and branding, and will have a live model so students can see how lighting completely transforms a photo and how to build a shot from start to finish. We’ll also walk through the editing process to show how images go from camera to final product. This is a hands-on look at both the creative and technical sides of photography and how it can turn into a career. Held in mid-November. Cap of 10.
Dive into the world of radio broadcasting with the KZIA family of locally-owned broadcast radio stations. Learn from the broadcast sales and event team to understand the critical process of selling radio advertising. Work alongside a broadcast engineer to get hands-on experience with broadcasting equipment. Join the music director to explore the science behind song selection and how music flows on-air. Shadow a top-rated morning show to see how radio announcers prepare for and deliver their live broadcast. Discover what makes a compelling radio break and how to engage listeners effectively. Spend some time with our CEO learning the ins and outs of a radio station management. Held Oct. 27th, 2026 and Apr. 20th, 2027, Cap 8 per session.
Do you love learning languages and helping others achieve their goals? Explore careers in sign language interpreting, spoken language interpreting, and translating, and find out what makes Hands Up Communications one of the “Coolest Places to Work” in the Corridor. Held Nov. 5th, 2026 and Spring 2027. Cap of 10.
A sports broadcaster provides coverage and analysis of sporting events for television, radio, or online media. Broadcasters play a critical role in bringing sports to a wide audience, providing viewers and listeners with play-by-play commentary, analysis, and interviews with athletes, coaches, and other sports experts.
Learn first-hand how Sports Broadcaster Adam Amin prepared for his career and the many steps and experiences along the way to national broadcasting roles! Adam will walk you through an actual day when he has an NBA game to prepare for that night, and an NFL game to get ready for that weekend! Adam is a TV play-by-play announcer who has NFL, MLB, NCAA basketball, and NBA experience. After graduating from Valparaiso University, Adam spent part of his early career at a small-market Iowa radio station, KUOO in Spirit Lake as Sports Director, doing play-by-play for local high school sports. He called play-by-play for a variety of sports at ESPN from 2011– 2020. Since 2020, Adam has been with Fox Sports as a national/regional TV play-by-play announcer for NFL and MLB, and also with the Chicago Bulls as their TV play-by-play voice. Held in the Fall.
Are you curious about careers in accounting or technology and how AI is changing the future of work? Sign up to attend this career exploration experience for students interested in accounting, cybersecurity, coding, networking, IT support, business analytics, and more. Tour the RSM office, explore how artificial intelligence is used in today’s workplace, and have candid conversations with professionals about their career journeys. Cap of 40.
Within every successful organization there are professionals who analyze and use data to inform decision makers, supply operational needs, and forecast future events. If you are interested in business analytics, data science, or database management, this experience is for you! Kirkwood’s Reporting Services team will discuss their individual roles and responsibilities as well as their path to their career. You’ll also learn about the tools they use to organize, clean and create visualizations for data insights. Held Nov. 2026. Cap of 10.
Within every successful organization there are professionals who analyze and use data to inform strategy, decisions, and continual improvement. If you are interested in business analytics, business management, project management, data science, and/or research, this experience is for you! The Kirkwood Institutional Effectiveness team will discuss their individual roles and responsibilities as well as their path to their career. You’ll also learn about how they find meaning in data that is imperative for everyday organizational success. Cap of 10.
Students with an interest in information technology, marketing, human resources or operations can visit our corporate office in Cedar Rapids. Discussions with dispatchers, customer service representatives, recruiters and IT professionals would be included along with a tour of the facility. Cap of 10.
Curious about a future in tech? Spend the morning with ITS to explore real-world IT careers through hands-on learning, a behind-the-scenes facility tour, and Q&A with our team. Get an inside look at roles in:
Whether you're into coding, networking, problem-solving, or tech strategy, you'll see how it all fits together at ITS. Held in Oct. Cap of 10.
Individual/small group shadows allow for a deeper dive into specific careers, shadowing a professional(s) in that field. These small group shadows are perfect for those who are more confident in their career interests and have had some initial exposure to that career. Job shadows may be individualized or include a handful of students, depending on demand. Pick from the below list of careers and the associated career descriptions.
Speak or read from scripted materials such as news reports or commercial messages on radio or television. May announce artist or title of performance, identify station or interview guests.
Provide help and advice to computer users and organizations. Either support computer networks or provide technical assistance directly to computer users.
Set up, maintain and repair computer systems. Troubleshoot hardware problems and install new equipment. Ensure that company employees have up-to-date hardware and software to complete their jobs properly. May also be responsible for helping company employees learn how to use software programs and hardware.
Select, fit and take care of costumes for cast members and aid entertainers. May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs such as packaging, displays or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Plan, design and furnish interiors of residential, commercial or industrial buildings. Formulate a design which is practical, aesthetic and conducive to intended purposes such as raising productivity, selling merchandise or improving lifestyle. May specialize in a particular field, style or phase of interior design.
Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events through interview, investigation or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio or television.
Administer collections such as artwork, collectibles, historic items or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research or public service activities.
Software developers create the computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. Software developers don’t just write code, they also have an understanding of the broad scope of the project or product. Developers think through all aspects of functionality, end-user engagement and security.
Set up and/or operate audio and video equipment including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment by connecting wires and cables for sound, mixing boards and related electronic equipment.
Design, create and modify websites. Analyze user needs to implement website content, graphics, performance and capacity. May integrate websites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio and video components to compatible web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of web and multimedia content.
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