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 metro. 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 319.
Hosting interns this summer?
Want them to experience this community to the fullest? Encourage them to sign up for Ignite CR! Registration will kick off on May 13th. Information regarding the program will be sent out to company representatives that will include a link for interns to register themselves for each event. If you have questions, or have not participated in this program before, please reach out to Laura Seyfer at LSeyfer@cedarrapids.org.
2024 Schedule
Ignite Summer Kick-Off Party
Thursday, June 6 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Pickle Palace, 101 1st Ave. SW
Kick off your summer journey with Ignite CR in downtown Cedar Rapids. Designed exclusively for college interns working in the Cedar Rapids metro area, this event promises to equip you with the knowledge to make the most out of your summer experience. Engage with fellow interns, community leaders, and local organizations as we explore the many experiences and opportunities this community has to offer. This event is just the start to unlocking the full potential of your summer in the 319.
The Marion Experience
Thursday, June 13 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Lowe Park, 4500 N 10th St, Marion
Join us in Marion for this session. Prior to the short program, bring your own chair or blanket to set out in preparation for Crazy Delicious, a local variety rock-n-roll (and some country) cover band playing for Marion By Moonlight, a free concert series hosted by Farmers State Bank. We will meet inside Lowe Park (in the Arts & Environment Center) from 4:30-5:30 where you’ll network and learn about all the great things happening in Marion before heading out to enjoy music and delicious food vendors! Participants will receive a voucher towards dinner.
Regional Mixer with Greater IC
Thursday, June 20 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Pinseekers, 1515 Andersen Pl, Tiffin
Elevate your summer internship experience with this lively regional mixer, uniting interns from Cedar Rapids and Iowa City for an evening of networking, camaraderie and golfing. This event is designed to highlight the importance of networking and help you embrace it even if it’s not your thing. There will be a short program to kick off the night along with food and access to the golfing bays to practice your golf swing.
Beyond the Internship: Skills to Succeed
Thursday, July 11 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Ideal Theatre & Bar, 213 16th Ave SE
Step outside the bounds of traditional learning and dive into the world of improvisation. This unique event is crafted to help interns sharpen their adaptability, creativity, and communication skills through the art of improv. With the expertise from the Improv Incubator, we will host an improv workshop for interns test their skills that go beyond the internship. Get ready to unleash your creativity, ignite your imagination, and embark on a journey of self-discovery unlike any other.
Night Out at the Ballpark
Thursday, August 1 | 6:35 PM
Kernels Stadium, 950 Rockford Rd SW
Join us for the grand finale of Ignite CR as we celebrate the conclusion of an unforgettable summer with a night out at the ballpark! We will have a section reserved for Ignite CR participants where we can sit together and cheer on the CR Kernels. You won’t want to miss out on this fun night.
Two Lunch & Learns:
- How to Leverage Your YOU – Brand with Sarah Michelle from HoneyMAP
Tuesday, June 25 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Virtual on Zoom - Intern Insider: Financial Literacy Essentials for Success
with Malia Gudenkauf from Little Miss Finance
Wednesday, July 17 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Marion Library, 1101 6th Ave, Marion
Looking for an internship?
Check out this list of companies with internship programs in the Cedar Rapids Metro area!
NEED INTERNS?
Employers this section is for you…
The colleges and universities in our region use this national platform to connect students with internships and jobs. If you are searching for an intern, you should consider posting the opportunity on Handshake to connect with local candidates.
Help building an internship program:
These connections can help you find interns or provide assistance in developing an internship program:
University of Iowa Pomerantz Career Center
Contact: Allan Boettger, allan-boettger@uiowa.edu
Website: https://careers.uiowa.edu/employers/internships
Coe College
Contact: Barb Tupper, 319-399-8662, btupper@coe.edu
Website: https://www.coe.edu/academics/coe-difference-centers-and-programs/center-creativity-careers/careers/employers
Cornell College
Contact: Jason Napoli, 319-895-4458, jnapoli@cornellcollege.edu
Website: https://www.cornellcollege.edu/berry-career-institute/Internships-research-opportunities/index.shtml
Mt. Mercy College
Contact: Kalindi Garvin, 319-363-1323 or ext. 1620, kgarvin@mtmercy.edu
Website: https://www.mtmercy.edu/career-services
Kirkwood Community College
Contact: Danielle Ebaugh, danielle.ebaugh@kirkwood.edu
Workplace Learning Connection (high school internships)
Contact: Sarah Shepherd, 319-398-2584, sarah.shepherd@kirkwood.edu and Sue Neil, 319-398-4828, sue.neil@kirkwood.edu
Website: http://www.kirkwood.edu/site/index.php?p=38584