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Professional Development

Greater Des Moines (DSM) offers a large number of networking events for current and prospective employees in the region to reach personal and professional goals with accessibility to CEOs and key leaders. These programs are designed to help you hone your skills and acquire the knowledge you need to excel. From interns to CEOs, boost your career through professional development and continuing education opportunities.

DSM Fellowship Program

The DSM Fellowship Program is a preeminent professional development initiative that attracts, develops and retains a diverse community of top-tier graduates. Fellows are exposed to opportunities that accelerate their professional track and grant lasting connections. For more information on the opportunity investor businesses have to enhance their workforce diversity, sponsor and support Fellows’ growth in their career in Greater Des Moines (DSM), visit the DSM Fellowship Program page. 

Top Five Series for Small Businesses

The Top Five series features presentations to inform, educate and inspire business owners in DSM. The events focus on a variety of timely topics that affect business owners and managers including legal, human resources, information technology, marketing, accounting and other pressing issues.

Be a Presenter

The Partnership welcomes proposals from qualified Members to facilitate educational workshops for its Memberships about general business practices.

Submit a Proposal

Small Business Success Summit

Attend presentations by keynote speakers from industry leaders that will inform and inspire, participate in workshops with fellow business owners in DSM and engage in in-depth conversations in breakout sessions ranging from talent attraction and work culture to data privacy and financial management. For more information, visit the Small Business Success Summit page.

DEI Management Certification Program

The DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) Management Certification Program series delivers strategic and tangible action steps that will help participants build and sustain successful DEI workforce, workplace and marketplace practices. At the conclusion of the series, participants will walk away with their own action plans and roadmaps to continue their respective DEI journeys. The program is delivered through a partnership between the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Des Moines-based Schabel Solutions. For more information, visit the DEI Management Certification Program page

Des Moines Area Community College Business Resources

DMACC Business Resources provides a range of skills training, talent development and business consulting including needs assessment, customized training, ongoing coaching and funding. Subscribe to the monthly upcoming events email to learn about ways to uplift your employees.

Des Moines Area Community College Workforce Training Academy

Looking for a rewarding career, but in need of additional training? DMACC's Workforce Training Academy (WTA) empowers you to move toward a better paying job in industries that are in need of qualified employees. No matter what your prior education is, it provides the opportunity to get from wherever you are now to a promising career, a livable wage and prospects for advancement. 

Evelyn K. Davis Career Coaching

Need help with your resume, online job applications, interviewing or getting connected with career opportunities? Evelyn K. Davis is here to help with free career coaching services. Check out the events calendar for upcoming career development opportunities.

IowaWORKS Job Readiness Workshops

IowaWORKS workshops are a great tool to help guide any Iowan toward a new and promising career. The IowaWORKS job network regularly conducts presentations facilitated by dedicated staff, both in-person and virtual, covering topics such as resume writing, interviewing techniques, financial management, career planning, job search strategies and more. 

Young Professionals Connection

Young Professionals Connection (YPC) is a group of dynamic and talented young people who are committed to making Des Moines a better place. YPC offers countless ways to get involved in the DSM community and carry out their mission of promoting an environment that attracts and retains the next generation of young professionals. Learn more about YPC at ypcDSM

Connect with Locals

Put your finger on the pulse of DSM by connecting with local professionals. Meeting locals from across the region is a great way to network with like-minded people. Embrace professional development in Des Moines and begin growing your network today.

Volunteer Opportunities

Donate your time and talents to make the region a better place. From councils to committees, we need your help working on complex issues and major opportunities like government policy, workforce attraction, Downtown events and more. Find out how to get involved with community events and causes and how you can give back to your community.

Continuing Education Establishments

Annual Programs

Regional Business Events

Business-to-business networking events are open to Chamber Members across DSM's Affiliate regions and are held at a different Chamber Member business each month. Regional Business Events include Regional Business After Hours, Regional Lunches and much more. Each of these events offer a unique opportunity to network and boost your professional development. 

For upcoming events across DSM, check out our calendar.