Business, Finance, Marketing & Management Career Exploration

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.

Job shadow opportunities from Kirkwood can show you how to succeed in these competitive, in-demand roles. You'll learn what it takes to set yourself apart for roles in business accounting, financial services, and management.

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 Experiences

The Jacobson Institute presents DesignDash, a one-day, fast paced entrepreneurial startup simulation. Participants work in teams to solve problems they face using entrepreneurial solutions that drive innovation forward. Entrepreneurs and local industry partners are onsite mentors.  If you’re interested in problem-solving, developing solutions and starting your own business, this shadow is for you. Held in Cedar Rapids on April 26, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The Jacobson Institute presents DesignDash, a one-day, fast paced entrepreneurial startup simulation. Participants work in teams to solve problems they face using entrepreneurial solutions that drive innovation forward. Entrepreneurs and local industry partners are onsite mentors.  If you’re interested in problem-solving, developing solutions and starting your own business, this shadow is for you. Held in Iowa City on April 10, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Go behind the scenes of one of West Branch's largest fundraising events during a job shadow with the West Branch Community Development Group staff. Get a first-hand look at preparation for the annual Sweets for Success Live Auction and social event and assist with event planning tasks. You will also hear from members of the Hoover Foundation on non-profit fundraising and from a local business owner on what it is like to own an event venue. Scheduled for Friday April 5, 2024. Cap of 8.

If you are interested in business and/or starting your own company, join us for this great day.  We will attend a One Million Cups meeting where entrepreneurs come together to share their business ideas and get support. You will meet real entrepreneurs and learn the good, the bad, the ugly and how they started their business. It will be a panel Q&A discussion. Knowing the questions and answers helps entrepreneurs be more successful raising money (venture capital), and growing their startups.

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 Feb. 20, 2024.

Ready to explore exciting career possibilities and gain insights into the world of project management? Join us at the Project Management Institute (PMI) Eastern Iowa Chapter Educational Summit gathering to be held at the Kirkwood Community College Main Campus. We’re looking for students who are eager to explore, learn, and connect with professionals in the dynamic field of project management. Event highlights include connecting with experienced project management professionals, dive into discussions on hot industry topics, and gain valuable insights into future career opportunities. This unique job shadow and networking experience will be on Thursday, April 18, 2024. You will be joined by other current Kirkwood project and construction management students. Don't miss this chance to discover your path to success!

Use your creative powers for good! The concept behind art and design is for people to react to your work. Get a positive reaction to a product and - boom! That’s marketing. Chat with graphic designers, content writers and web designers at Ruffalo Noel Levitz. Learn how they use their creative abilities to help you make one of the most important decisions of your lives - where to go to college. Held on February 22, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m.


How to Apply

If you are a First Time User follow these instructions
If you are a Returning User filling out a new job shadow application follow these instructions.
If you have already started applying, you may simply continue your existing application.