CRMEA July/August 2018

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING
AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL INTERNS WITH
LFS COLLEGE & INTERN PROGRAM
Collectively across the region, and from our Economic Alliance
members, we understand that recruiting and retaining
sufficient workforce is a top concern. We are working together
as a region to collectively strengthen our communities and
strategically attract and develop the necessary talent for
growth.
Businesses attract interns from near and far. Today’s interns
are tomorrow’s full-time employees, and ultimately, we want
those employees here. While ICR IOWA, the new external-facing
brand for our seven-county region and the new name for our
regional economic development group, is charged with leading
the efforts to market our region, grow our workforce, and
recruit more businesses and individuals to locate here - part of
the Economic Alliance’s assistance in the regional workforce
strategy for the last seven years lies within the Leadership for
Five Seasons College & Intern Program.
This year’s program is made up of two components to provide
interns with professional development opportunities and to
showcase what it’s like to live here in Iowa City - Cedar Rapids
(ICR).
Senior Diversity Officer, and Kris Bridges, Director of Human
Resources at Coe College. The program addressed the
value and importance for businesses to build a diverse and
inclusive organization, how businesses attract and retain a
diverse workforce, and shared practical tips for how young
professionals can contribute to and develop leadership skills
within an inclusive team.
There are more opportunities for interns to participate! Save
these dates for the remaining Intern Summer Series events and
share them with interns in your office:
Time Management and Transitioning to the Workforce
Monday, July 16 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. | Athletic Recreation
Complex, Coe College
It can be challenging to transition from college student to
working professional. Learn practical time management tips
from professionals who have spent several or many years in
the workforce. From dress to professionalism to how to get
involved in your community, to more, we’ll discuss the many
aspects to consider when transitioning to a full-time job and
workplace setting.
BUSINESS SUPPORT
The Quality of Life component of the program kicked off with
150 interns gathering on Coe College’s campus for a Welcome
Reception last month. Interns had the opportunity to network
with each other and receive an official welcome from Cedar
Rapids Mayor Brad Hart. The next Quality of Life event is the
College & Intern Progressive Dinner on Saturday, July 21 where
local restaurants in Downtown Cedar Rapids, Kingston Village
and Czech Village/New Bohemia take center stage.
Presented in conjunction with Coe College, the Intern Summer
Series, the professional development component of the
program, kicked off in late June. This marked the first of three,
free professional development sessions on topics important to
college students soon entering the workforce. Area business
leader, Duane Smith, CEO of TrueNorth Companies opened up
the evening with an executive spotlight where he provided
career advice and insight. With professional expertise in
Insurance, Risk Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, and
Succession Planning, Smith also shared his passion for helping
others improve strategically, providing vision and instilling
confidence in others.
Following the executive spotlight with Smith, interns
participated in a team dynamic and team building in diverse
workplaces professional development program led by
Erik Albinson, Vice President of Student Development and
Networking and Professional Branding and Behaviors
Monday, August 6 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. | Athletic Recreation
Complex, Coe College
How you present and brand yourself in your first job is critical
to your success. In addition to wanting to put your best foot
forward, you will also be asked to represent your employer
during sales calls, networking events or various meetings.
During this session, you will learn and practice how to network
(think elevator speeches and such). We will also discuss
how to make sure you are paying attention to your personal
brand, whether that be in person, online or in your daily
correspondence (think LinkedIn and email!)
14 JULY/AUGUST 2018