Start your path to a career that makes a difference! Human services job shadow opportunities from Kirkwood can show you what it takes to succeed in this challenging but rewarding field.
Discover the wide variety of careers in the field of human services, such as: teacher, paraeducator, principal, guidance counselor, social worker, substance abuse counselor, lawyer, community outreach worker, police officer, probation officer, firefighter, EMT, chef, lodging manager, and event planner.
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.
Explore the many exciting career opportunities available at our Adult Day Care Health Centers where we serve a variety of people age 18 and older! Our social workers assist with care plans, funding, and problem solving every day community needs. Nurses monitor medications, work with community physicians, and complete health assessments. Patient Care Assistants do many of the same tasks as a CNA such as: safety awareness/fall prevention, bathing, activities, and meal assistance. Program and activity specialists and our habilitation staff engage our participants in programming, outings, special events, and individualized programming that helps them meet their goals. Our dining staff make sure we are following special diets and honor personal choice. We would love to have you join us and show you not only what it takes to do their work day to day, but, how roles interact to meet the needs of our participants!
Would you like to be involved in sports and athletics with high level athletes in a college atmosphere on a daily basis? If you love to compete and to be around competitive individuals striving to be the best version of themselves, then please join us at Mount Mercy University to explore career paths as an athletic trainer, athletic director, sports information director, and college coach. Held 3/25/25 from 9:00-11:30 a.m.
The Anamosa State Penitentiary will be offering an opportunity to learn more about the following careers within the Penitentiary; Correctional Officer, Treatment (Correctional Counselor/Psychologist/Activities Specialist), Correctional Trades Leader, Correctional Food Service Coordinator, as well as an overview of the Iowa Prison Industries. Students will have a chance to learn what a typical day consists of for staff in all of these areas. Held on a Tuesday or Thursday morning in April or May, approximately 5-6 hours. Must be 18 years of age. Cap of 5.
Come explore a career in Beauty and Wellness at our spring career day. Capri offers advanced training in Cosmetology, Esthetics and Massage Therapy. During this career exploration day you will have the opportunity to interact with students and staff, learn more about each program, tour the building and so much more. Plus, you will have the opportunity to see firsthand what it is like to learn from our licensed Cosmetology instructors during our hand-on mini classes. If you are interested in becoming a Professional Stylist, Skin Care Specialist, Platform Artist, Licensed Massage Therapist or Makeup Artist this event was made for you.
Come join PCI Academy for an inside look at the world of cosmetology, esthetics, and massage therapy. See how exciting and amazing your future career can be.
Experience a commercial kitchen environment in the Kirkwood Community College Culinary Lab during a live, hands-on lab session instructed by Kirkwood Hospitality faculty. Participants will learn more about the career of a chef and be involved in production utilizing some fundamental kitchen techniques. You won’t go home hungry! Cap of 16 students. Held 5/6/24 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Do you like working with children? Want to make a difference? Learn about careers in education such as elementary school teacher, middle school teacher, high school teacher, school counselor, special education teacher, and paraeducator. Hear about the daily tasks in their jobs along with the required education.
Interested in public safety, law enforcement, or 911 dispatching? Sign up to tour the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and learn more about the role of a 911/emergency dispatcher. From answering 911 calls to dispatching emergency services, you will experience the day-to-day responsibilities of a dispatcher.
Learn about a career in healthcare that is outside the four walls of a hospital. A career in EMS as an EMT or Paramedic is a rewarding profession. Receive an inside look at this potential profession from current ground and flight EMS providers. Along with getting hands-on experience with life-saving skills such as airway management, bleeding control, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. Held 4/8/25 from 9-11 a.m.
Are you interested in teaching students in a unique manner – different from a traditional classroom setting? Learn more about becoming an ELL (English Language Learner) endorsed teacher and what a day in the classroom looks like, with active participation in lessons, recess, lunch, and dismissal. English Language Learners, according to the Iowa Department of Education, are among the fastest growing populations in our schools. You do not need to be able to speak another language in order to be an ELL teacher. You will start at the Cedar Rapids Community School District Educational Leadership and Support Center Building and a bus will take you to various schools to explore ELL at different grade levels. This full day job shadow will take place on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Lunch will be provided. Cap of 15 students.
Investigate how to embark on a career path with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI hires professionals in several criminal justice focused specialties, such as special agent, linguist, SWAT team member, intelligence analyst and victim specialist to name a few. The FBI also offers opportunities for early educational and professional experience to include a yearly Teen Academy and a 10-week paid college Internship program. Hosted Spring 2025 at Kirkwood’s Linn County Regional Center in Hiawatha.
Visit Kirkwood’s on-campus luxury 4 Diamond Hotel and learn about all of the professional management careers needed to create great experiences in hotels, resorts, events & conferences, and vacation destinations. Explore the world of hospitality management in a variety of careers including: Hotel, Front Office, Food & Beverage, Sales & Event, and Club Management as well as Theme Park Operations & Senior LIving Management. Come and see why your generation is finding happiness and success traveling and working all around the globe as well as right here at home.
Interested in a career in the legal profession? Come speak with a variety of individuals who work in the legal field to learn more about their careers. You will have the opportunity to have a conversation with them and also receive a tour of the courthouse.
Interested in helping people live better lives? Through small group, round table discussions you will have the opportunity to hear and ask questions from individuals in a variety of career disciplines, including social work, counseling, psychology, and social services.
Learn about what qualities are important for therapists to have, possible environments you may work, duties and responsibilities you will have as a therapist, and the difference between mental health counselors and social workers.
Have you ever been interested in knowing more about the military and how they operate from a job/career perspective? This job shadow will allow you to hear from the following branches of the military: Air Force, Army, Marines, National Guard, and Navy. The goal is for you to spend time with representatives from each branch so you have a broad understanding of how each operates. They will share with you about what makes their branch unique, career opportunities available (other than combat); how schooling, college, and other specialized training is handled, as well as various lifestyle factors to consider.
You will enjoy a tour of the police department in addition to having individuals from the Crime Scene Unit, Hazardous Devices Unit, K-9, Special Response Team, and Patrol Division speak to you about their careers. The shadow will conclude with learning some defense tactics and a Use of Force Simulator. This is a full day job shadow experience (8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.).
Come attend a mini police academy and learn about what it takes to become a police officer, enjoy hands-on experiences with a number of our specialized officers, and investigate different stains! This will be a day-long event from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
You will be given a tour of the facility in addition to hearing about a variety of careers in law enforcement including dispatch, K-9, bomb technician, police officer and crime investigation to name a few! Cap of 20.
Interested in learning more about what it means to be an Agent of Change? Here at the 6th District Department of Corrections, we honor our obligation to community safety by facilitating behavior change in the individuals entrusted to us for correctional community supervision, otherwise known as probation and parole. Come learn about two critical factors when it comes to community safety--care (support) and control (accountability) and hear from staff who have served, or are serving, in the critical roles of Residential Officer and Probation/Parole Officer and what it takes to be a highly effective officer. You will also have the opportunity to tour one of our residential facilities. Cap of 10.
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