Greater Cedar Rapids Career Services Day: Building Pipelines to Strengthen Retention
July 21, 2025 | Community Development, Economic Development & Workforce
Cities around the US are encountering a common problem: How do you keep recent graduates from leaving the area? The best way, we think, is to show off everything our region has to offer.
On June 3 and 4, 2025, the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, in partnership with the Marion Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), proudly hosted Greater Cedar Rapids Career Services Day. The event brought together higher education coaches and counselors from institutions across Iowa, representing both large universities and smaller colleges.
The goal was to help college representatives build meaningful relationships with local businesses, better understand the opportunities available, and ultimately strengthen the pipeline from college to career for their students. By connecting educators directly with local employers, we help ensure that students know of the diverse, quality career paths offered in our area.
Day One: Immersive Company Tours and Community Connection
The first day of the event provided a firsthand look at the innovative companies powering our local economy. Participants toured Crystal Group, Eco Lips, Quaker/Pepsico, and Red Star Yeast — each showcasing the breadth of professions thriving in the corridor. These visits gave coaches and counselors a thorough look at the cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and community-focused cultures that make these employers stand out. Here’s what some of the coaches and counselors had to say about their visits:
“I loved getting to tour different places. I have lived in Cedar Rapids all of my life, and haven’t gotten to go into some of these businesses. I can’t believe I didn’t know we have one of the largest yeast factories in the world here!” – Jenny Long, University of Iowa
“I got a real concrete sense about what it means to connect with employers in the area, how they are thinking about our students, and our role preparing candidates.” – Joseph Hendryx, Mount Mercy University
The evening concluded with a dinner at Pickle Palace, a fun and lively way to highlight the work/life balance present in Greater Cedar Rapids. It was an evening for guests to relax, network, and experience the welcoming spirit of our region firsthand.
Day Two: Marion Deep Dive
The second day took place entirely in Marion, with a focus on big-picture discussions and practical insights. Attendees heard about Marion’s growth, its quality of life, and the variety of professional opportunities available.
Discussion panels featured representatives from 12 different companies across Greater Cedar Rapids, providing diverse perspectives on the current job landscape. A special panel of young professionals, from current interns to established employees, shared candid insights about why they enjoy their jobs and what drew them to this region. They also broke down what they had to learn when entering the workforce and offered valuable advice on navigating the early stages of a career.
Jill Ackerman, Marion Chamber President, shared an update on Marion’s exciting developments, including what makes it so attractive for young professionals. Employers then discussed what they look for in potential hires across the nonprofit, government, and manufacturing sectors. They offered practical tips for standing out in the job market and shared details on which majors, skills, and proficiencies are in demand, helping participants form a plan for their students.
Thank You to Our Partners
We are especially grateful to MEDCO for their collaboration on the event, and to The Gazette for their support as our print sponsor, which helped us spread the word and share the impact of this valuable event.