Find Your Future in DSM

This summer, college students from around the country will call the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region home during their internship experiences.

Where will these students find a sense of community?

Who will help them successfully transition into the professional world?

How will they learn about the world-class quality of life and the amenities our region has to offer?

The DSM Intern Connection event series sponsored by the Greater Des Moines Partnership is the answer. These events provide an opportunity for interns and college-aged students to build relationships with one another, network with community leaders and executives and explore all our region has to offer.

Reflecting on my career path, the opportunities provided by the DSM Intern Connection event series played a pivotal role in helping me establish my network, build confidence in my professional skills and find my place in our community.

DSM Intern Connection is centered around establishing your professional network. Each event provides an opportunity to connect with interns and community leaders in a welcoming environment. Here are a few ways I benefited from attending DSM Intern Connection events:

• The connections I established through socializing at events, such asat the Iowa Cubs baseball game at Principal Park have blossomed into friendships that continue to this day.
• The community leaders I met during the Executive Luncheon at Embassy Club downtown have continued to support my professional development.
• Our educational session on employee benefits with EMC Insurance helped address my questions about employee benefit: What factors should I consider when evaluating a job offer or selecting a health care plan?

A highlight from my DSM Intern Connection experience was the Young Professional Panel at Mainframe Studios. The panel was comprised of young professionals in different industries who were recently in our shoes as interns and college-aged students. Each panelist was authentic in sharing their professional experiences and offered valuable guidance on how to successfully transition from being a college student to a young professional. Their community involvement and passion for serving others inspired me to reflect on how I could play an active role in helping people in our community.

As a result of the network I built and positive experiences I had through the DSM Intern Connection, I am now a young professional living and working in DSM.

Today, I serve on the Board of Directors for the Young Professionals Connection, which is an initiative of the Greater Des Moines Partnership focused on promoting an environment that attracts and retains young professionals in DSM. Additionally, I am actively involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa and the Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity.

2024 Events

The DSM Intern Connection series helped me find my future in DSM. Do you know an intern or college-aged student who will be in DSM this summer? Encourage them to participate in the 2024 events below:

• Tuesday, June 4: DSM Intern Connection Kick-Off: Skillset Identification and Connections | REGISTER
• Tuesday, June 18: Magnetic Communication with Tina Bakehouse | REGISTER
• Tuesday, July 2: On Purpose for a Purpose: Professional Presence with Laila Down | REGISTER
• Tuesday, July 16: Enrolling in Benefits and Understanding Your Total Pay Package with Jeff Clayton | REGISTER
• Tuesday, July 23: Executive Luncheon – Invite Only

*In order to attend the Executive Luncheon, participants must have attended 3 of 4 previous DSM Intern Connection events.

Job opportunities and career resources are abundant in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Whether you're looking to find an internship, a job, develop professionally or grow as a student, we have the resources to help you thrive.

Young Professionals Connection (YPC) aims to attract and retain young professionals in Greater Des Moines (DSM) by connecting emerging leaders to each other and to the community through social, civic, charitable and professional development endeavors. Learn how you can get involved.