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.
Do you have an interest in the automotive recycling industry? Have you ever wondered what it takes to run a business like this? Sunline Parts, a division of the Cassill Motors organization, offers careers such as sales, inventory, purchasing, accounting, finance, management, operations, transportation/delivery, and IT. Sunline is building a culture that is breaking the stigma of the salvage world. If you are looking to grow your career and want to learn more about a unique aspect of the automotive industry, this job shadow is for you. Held in early March 2026. Cap of 15.
Discover all the jobs available within the credit union and get answers to any questions you may have. Explore retail branch positions including teller, loan officer and branch manager; in addition to a career path in web services, IT, legal, learning & development, human resources, marketing, and so much more. Find out as well how Veridian Credit Union goes the extra mile to make sure employees feel like they belong and why it is consistently voted a top workplace. Cap of 25.
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 Spring 2026. Full day job shadow, lunch provided.
Go behind the scenes of one of Cedar Rapids’ largest community events during this job shadow with the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival staff. Learn about all the planning and marketing efforts that go into this three-week festival that is the state’s second largest festival (behind the Iowa State Fair) and the state’s largest 4th of July fireworks display. If your career interests include: Event Planning, Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Design, and Community Outreach this is the job shadow for you. Cap of 7.
If you are interested in business and/or starting your own company, join us on 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. There will be a panel Q and A discussion. Knowing the questions and answers helps entrepreneurs be more successful raising money (venture capital), and growing their startups.
Do you dream of opening your own boutique, restaurant or small business? Spend a day behind the scenes with area entrepreneurs to see what it takes to keep a small business up and running! You'll get to witness a few types of business models, tour businesses and meet with Main Street West Branch entrepreneurs to hear real life experiences and ask questions about owning a small business and e-commerce. Cap of 7.
Come to TrueNorth to learn more about this privately held insurance brokerage firm that offers insurance, risk management, and related services. In this job shadow, you will get the opportunity to have a tour and participate in a Q&A with a panel of employees specializing in insurance services, general business, financial analysis, human resources, and business development. You will learn more about the overview of the company, the divisions, services, and the educational career path journeys of the employees. Discover why TrueNorth is continuously rated and recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Iowa. Held in April 2026. Cap of 20.
Use your creative powers for good! Successful content and design inspires action. Get a positive reaction to a product and - boom! That’s marketing. Chat with a graphic designer, content writer, SEO writer and web developer/designer from Encoura (since 1972, a leading provider of programs connecting students with the resources to succeed). Discover how they use their creative abilities to help you make one of the most important decisions of your lives - where to go to college. Learn how they build successful relationships with donors, who fund hospitals and universities. Bring your curiosity and your questions!
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