Types of careers in this pathway include: engineers, architects, construction roles, computer software developers, CAD drafters, diesel mechanics, transportation careers, scientists and more!
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.
Are you interested in cars and like to get your hands dirty? If so, join the mechanics at Billion Auto for a hands on experience in the auto technician and auto mechanic career fields. After your tour of the dealership, you will be guided by the certified mechanics to inspect cars, change the oil and other typical day to day tasks. Hear from the managers about their career, training, and education. Cap of 5. Held spring 2026.
Do you enjoy helping people be successful by using your creativity, along with math and science skills? If the answer is yes, then Architecture Day is for you! Cap of 4.
If you are interested in Chemistry, Microbiology, and Consumer Product Testing then this day is for you! Experience the life of a quality analyst at Frontier Co-op. Learn about the main testing methods used to ensure high quality spices, culinary herbs and essential oils. Gain insight into the diverse set of quality indicators, as well as regulatory requirements used at Frontier Co-op. Held in early April. Cap of 12.
Are you interested in solving challenging engineering problems and creating unique exterior cladding solutions for companies like Kia Motors, Honda, Top Golf, and Porsche Motors, as well as local institutions like Kirkwood Community College or the University of Iowa? Explore a career in the exterior cladding industry. See firsthand how Engineering, CAD Design, and CNC Programming come together to create custom building facades around the county. See world-class performance firsthand from a local cladding manufacturer. Held Wednesday, Feb. 11th, 9:30-11:30am. Cap of 20.
See the process of design development and production through careers in design engineering, manufacturing engineering, project management and CNC machining.
Explore careers in mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering. This is a great job shadow whether you have a general interest in engineering or you have a specific career in mind.
Explore a variety of engineering careers including civil engineering, environmental engineering and environmental sciences (geology, hydrogeology and hydrology), GIS, transportation planning, community and regional planning, transportation engineering, water/wastewater engineering and flood protection.
Students will have an opportunity to talk to machinists and toolmakers in each step of the tool and die process. Held on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 9:30 - 11:30 am.
Did you know the very first GPS signal from space was received at the top of a building in Cedar Rapids? Come see how we design, develop, and manufacture advanced GPS technology for flexible, efficient, and highly reliable navigation and guidance solutions. Students will learn how systems, software, mechanical, electrical, and cybersecurity engineers work together to develop and manufacture this technology in our state-of-the-art facility. In addition to a tour of the engineering labs and factory, students will get hands-on experience with circuit board design. Cap of 10. Held in early Spring 2026.
Do you have the desire to solve problems, design new products, create processes, or find a way to improve quality and safety in a production setting? If so, this shadow experience is for you! Learn how Design Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers work together to design and create products for production. Get an understanding of the process, from designing an idea all the way to the development of the product. Learn about the skills needed and what a day in the life of design and manufacturing engineers looks like. Cap of 5.
If you are interested in the following careers this job shadow is for you: electrician, plumber, pipefitter, refrigeration technician, carpenter, ironworker, operator, sheet metal worker, insulator, roofer, bricklayer, painter, glazier, millwright, and general laborer. You will also learn about building trades apprenticeships - tuition-free, earn while-you-learn training programs. Held in late April/early May 2026. Full day job shadow, lunch provided. Cap of 30.
Are you passionate about science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) — and curious how these fields connect to agriculture? Join us for an immersive job shadow experience at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm in Crawfordsville, where you'll explore real-world careers at the intersection of STEM and agriculture. Learn more about becoming an agricultural or environmental engineer, agronomist, or a livestock specialist. Hosted in April or early May 2026. Cap of 10.
Do you enjoy being outdoors and helping others in your community? If the answer is yes, then this day is for you! Participants will learn more about the many vital, high paying jobs in the energy and utility industry. Careers such as line mechanic, meter technician, electrical engineer, and natural gas mechanic will be discussed. Equipment and tools used in the industry will be available to give participants the opportunity to “try their hand” at performing basic line worker tasks. Cap of 25.
Would you like to have the best office view in the state? Are you looking to travel and reach your financial goals within the tower and wireless industry? Then look no further and climb to the top of your career with Viking Maintenance. If you have experience or interest in construction, roofing, scaffolding, landscape, or being a farm hand, this job shadow is for you! Led by our CEO and VP of Procurement, you will receive hands-on experience with an opportunity of doing a short climb in our climate-controlled training facility. Careers such as tower technician, field supervisor, construction manager, and project manager will be discussed. Cap of 6.
Students with an interest in truck driving, or being a maintenance technician can visit our terminal in Homestead, IA. Discussions with mechanics, shop foreman, and safety professionals will be included along with a tour of the facility as well as time to explore the inside cab of a truck and trailer. Held in the Spring 2026. Cap of 10.
Do you want to go beyond the façade? Metal Design Systems, Inc. manufactures custom metal panels and components for exterior cladding solutions that are shipped across the county. Welded components play an integral part in the structure of our cladding systems. Participants will have a factory tour to observe how raw materials come together to become a finished product. Throughout the tour you will observe and visit with employees in the areas of CNC tables, mig and tig welding, press brake, laser operations, assembly, and finishing. Join us for this exclusive opportunity to interact with industry professionals crafting precision on a daily basis! Cap of 10 students.
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