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, you’ll warm up in Kirkwood’s flat glass studio by making your very own fused glass mosaic coaster. Then we will heat things up a bit with a demonstration from Kirkwood’s Glass and Sculpture Instructor Christopher Gray. Finally, while Christopher cools down after the demonstration there will be time to ask questions and look at Artwork from previous students and visiting artists in the displays. Held January 2026.
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 17, 2025.
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. 7, 2025. Cap of 10.
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.
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 in the Spring. Cap of 12 per session
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. Held Dec. 4, 2025 and May 7, 2026.
Dive into the world of radio broadcasting with "Radio Day: Behind the Mic." Spend the day with our CEO learning the ins and outs of radio station management, including broadcasting regulations. Collaborate with our broadcast sales and event team to understand the process of selling radio advertising. Work alongside our broadcast engineer to get hands-on experience with broadcasting equipment. Join our music director to explore the science behind song selection and how music flows on-air. Shadow the first all-female co-hosted afternoon show in Iowa to see how radio announcers prepare for their live broadcast. Discover what makes a compelling radio break and how to engage listeners effectively. Held Oct. 28, 2025 Cap of 5.
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. 6, 2025 and Spring 2026. Cap of 10.
Lights, camera, action! It’s not a movie, but it’s your local news. See behind the scenes of a newscast and how news stories are written, how breaking news is handled, and how weather is forecasted and presented on TV. This job shadow will teach you about the fast paced world of TV broadcasting. Anchors and meteorologists from Iowa’s News Now will show you everything you need to know about the world of live TV news.
If you are interested in accounting, cyber security, coding, networking, IT support, or business analytics, you will want to attend this group job shadow. Tour the office and have the opportunity for candid conversations with employees about their experience at RSM. Cap of 40.
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.
Ever wonder how hackers find vulnerabilities in systems and for those in Cyber defense how they protect these openings? This session will share with you basics in the Cybersecurity and Cyber Defense world and how understanding Computer Networking basics builds you a solid base to explore a variety of careers. Plus, hear
first-hand from a panel of local employers on ways you can prepare now for future success. Held Nov. 14. Cap of 24.
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 Tuesday, Oct 22 from 9-11. 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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