Intern Connections
Get to know other interns and college students in the Cedar Rapids region
KEEP IT LOCAL
Opportunities for interns to meet, connect and network
Ignite CR is a program for college students and interns working in the Cedar Rapids region. This summer event series gives students the opportunity to meet one another, explore our incredible culture, connect with young professionals, and imagine a future for themselves in the region.
Thank You to our Program Sponsor
Kickoff Sponsor
Ignite CR 2026 Schedule
Pin Social & Perspectives – Unlock New Perspectives!
June 10 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. | PinSocial, 1515 Andersen Pl., Tiffin
Invest in your future while connecting with fellow interns from across the region. This interactive leadership development experience combines networking, mentorship, and fun in a relaxed environment designed to help interns learn more about our community and grow both personally and professionally.
Attendees will enjoy golf entertainment while hearing firsthand mentoring advice from young professionals who transformed their internships into meaningful career opportunities. Gain valuable firsthand insight into various industry opportunities within the region while focusing on career growth, leadership development, and the professional skills that have been proven to launch successful careers right here in the Cedar Rapids region.
This event is designed to help interns expand their network, build confidence, and gain perspective on the many pathways to long-term career success.
Registration Fee: $50 per person, capacity is limited. Registration includes professional development programming, networking opportunities, and golf entertainment, in addition to a meal and refreshments.
Registration Deadline: June 8, 2026 or until filled.
Decorate Your Door Competition: Unlock Appreciation!
June 11 – June 30
Who has opened doors for you?! Show appreciation for a person, place, business, or school that has positively impacted your journey by transforming your office door, cubicle, or workspace into a creative tribute in their honor! Whether meaningful, funny, artistic, or inspirational — the possibilities are endless!
Each submission shall consist of one photograph that needs sent to lfeuerbach@cedarrapids.org by June 30th, 5:00pm. Entries will then be showcased and publicly voted on (virtually) from July 6–13. The winner and their company will receive a special visit from the Dirty Dough mobile cookie truck on July 31!
This activity is designed to encourage community connection, workplace engagement, and general appreciation by acknowledging and celebrating the people and experiences that help shape personal and professional growth among our future talent. This activity is free and there is no cap on number of participants.
Registration fee: Free
Participation Guidelines & Disclosure
By participating in this activity, interns acknowledge and agree to the following:
1. Decoration related expenses may not exceed $25 and are the responsibility of the individual and/or participating company.
2. Interns must obtain approval from their manager or supervisor prior to decorating any workspace and discuss whether decorating activities may occur during work hours.
3. Participants are responsible for preventing damage to workplace property and using materials appropriately.
4. All entries must be submitted to lfeuerbach@cedarrapids.org by 5:00 PM on June 30, 2026.
5. At the conclusion of the competition, participants are responsible for restoring the workspace to its original condition.
Elevate & Celebrate: Unlock Your Potential
July 23 | 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. | TrueNorth Companies, 500 1st St. SE
Join us for an inspiring evening designed to help interns build confidence, strengthen professional skills, and prepare for future success! Featuring dynamic keynote speaker Dr. Claire Muselman, this interactive session will empower, engage, and equip attendees to overcome networking anxiety, enhance communication skills, and develop meaningful professional relationships that last for a lifetime.
Participants will master how to navigate their career with the confidence and professional demeanor needed to succeed in today’s workforce. The evening will include a celebration of internship success, local pizza, interactive networking, and a fun end-of-summer sendoff!
Registration Fee: $30 per person, capacity is limited due to venue size. Registration includes leadership development via professional programming, networking opportunities, pizza, and refreshments.
Registration Deadline: July 17, 2026 or until filled.
Hosting interns this summer?
Make sure your interns get registered for Ignite CR! Information regarding the program will be sent out to company representatives in May and can be found above. If you have questions, or have not participated in this program before, please reach out by filling out the contact form.
Are you a student looking for an internship?
Check out this list of companies with internship programs in the Cedar Rapids region!
Need Interns?
We recommend posting your internships and jobs to Handshake, a national platform that connects you with college students locally in Iowa and across the country. Learn more about Handshake.
If you’d like to connect with Iowa State University students, create an account on CyHire.
CyHire is a platform exclusively for ISU students to find job and internship opportunities.
Workplace Learning Connection (high school internships)
https://www.kirkwood.edu/workplace-learning-connection/partners-volunteers