DID YOU KNOW? Ninety percent of WLC job shadow hosts say their hosting experience was a valuable use of their time! Interested in learning how you can get involved and help students explore careers in your industry? Visit our Partners and Volunteers page to learn more.

Second-Semester 2027 Internship Portal Opens Sept. 28

We had another successful (and very busy) summer of internships. Over 270 students completed internships with area businesses, exploring potential careers of interest. Students also met regularly with our internship coordinators to learn key employability and career development skills.

The Internship Program offers students many meaningful benefits, including:

• Exploring career paths before committing. Students gain firsthand insight into potential fields of interest, helping them determine whether a career is the right fit.
• Earning high school and college credit. Participants can get ahead academically while making informed decisions about future coursework, training, and education.
• Building a strong résumé. Internships strengthen applications for college, scholarships, and future job opportunities.
• Networking with professionals. Students connect with mentors and colleagues at all levels, creating valuable relationships for the future.
• Experiencing the workplace. Interns see what it’s like to work in their chosen field, including the typical work environment and expectations.
  
  The application window for second-semester 2027 internships is open Sept. 28 through Oct. 23, 2026, at 3 p.m. Current high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply.
  
  Learn more about program details and requirements here.

Brianna Gahring: Turning High School Opportunities into a Head Start

During the summer of 2025, I had the opportunity through Workplace Learning Connection to intern at the Vinton Police Department as a public safety intern. During this internship, I learned just how critical it is to follow procedures, especially in law enforcement. I was also able to assist in alcohol compliance checks, ensuring that local businesses were following state regulations, including making sure they were not selling to underage individuals. I also had the opportunity to observe traffic stops, warrant pickups, and community calls regarding various issues. One call involved bank account fraud that required us to contact the FBI. These experiences gave me a better understanding of the many responsibilities involved in law enforcement, even in a small community.

This past summer, I was placed at an internship with Virginia Gay Hospital as an information systems administrator intern. During this internship, I developed a deeper understanding of workflow disruptions and how critical every problem is, even if it seems minor. My favorite part was networking with hospital staff and learning how all departments must work together to keep the hospital and clinics running smoothly.

Both WLC internships were interesting and eye opening. My career goal is to be a digital forensics analyst. My experiences showed me that no matter what career you choose, there are always new things to learn and understand. Most importantly, I learned that a job is more than just its listed duties and responsibilities. Throughout my internships, I improved my communication and professionalism skills. I also learned many job employability skills, including that showing up to your internship or job on time means being at least 10 to 15 minutes early, allowing you time to prepare.

Also, throughout my high school career, I have taken advantage of the opportunity to take college classes through Kirkwood’s dual-enrollment program (all at no cost to my family!). These classes included Fundamentals of Oral Communication, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Criminal Justice, and Ethics in Criminal Justice. I plan to continue taking advantage of these college-level opportunities this school year to get a head start on my college education. I am currently enrolled in Composition I, Composition II, Computer Concepts, Ethics in Information Technology, Introduction to Psychology, Network+, U.S. History Since 1877, and Weight Training I and II. After graduation in spring 2027, I plan to attend Kirkwood Community College, double majoring in both Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity and Networking.

Introducing New WLC Team Member

Meg McMullen is a new business liaison at the Kirkwood Regional Center in Coralville. Meg will build and strengthen relationships with business hosts in the Health and Human Services pathways.

Where did you work prior to WLC?
I worked at Performance Health and Fitness in Coralville for 16 years as a part-time group fitness instructor and also taught kids’ fitness classes at local daycares. This last year I was the group fitness director at Performance. Before that, I spent 10 years working at my brother’s restaurant in Cedar Rapids in management and marketing.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
My husband and I stay very active; we love to cycle and walk various trails around eastern Iowa.

What careers were you interested in when you were in high school?
In high school, I wanted to be a physical therapist or a hospital administrator. I had the opportunity to do a few job shadows at a local hospital, which helped me decide that I was not going to be a physical therapist but that I did want to be in the health and wellness field in some capacity. That led me to the University of Northern Iowa, where I got my degree in health promotions with an emphasis in women’s health.

From your perspective, why is career exploration such a pivotal part of a student’s educational journey?
Career exploration is pivotal because it helps students connect what they are learning in the classroom to real-world possibilities and discover careers that align with their interests, strengths, and goals. It also empowers students to make informed decisions about their education and future while building confidence and a sense of purpose.

What are you looking forward to in your new role?
I’m most looking forward to building relationships with our Johnson County business partners. I am also excited to get an up-close look at how this work can influence a student’s life path.