Information Solutions

Job shadow opportunities from Kirkwood in the information solutions field can show you the wide variety of careers available in this field. 

Put yourself on the path to achieving your goals. Learn about roles such as software developer, graphic designer, interior designer, computer user support specialist, journalist, web designer and developer, and photographer/videographer.

Explore the opportunities listed below, when you find the career exploration event you'd like to attend, write down its name so it is handy when you fill out your application.

Explore Multiple Careers In A Field Explore A Specific Career Apply Now

Career Exploration Days

Career exploration days offer a great introduction to specific career fields and allow you to explore a broad scope of careers within that industry, all in one shadow experience. Career Exploration Days are a great option for initial exploration of a specific career or industry. 

 

Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, & Communications

Are you interested in a career field in the Arts? Come learn about 3D art and what we are up to at Kirkwood’s main campus in Cedar Rapids. First, you’ll warm up in Kirkwood’s flat glass studio by making your very own fused glass mosaic coaster. Then we will heat things up a bit with a demonstration from Kirkwood’s Glass and Sculpture Instructor Christopher Gray. Finally, while Christopher cools down after the demonstration there will be time to ask questions and look at Artwork from previous students and visiting artists in the displays. Held January 2025.

Discover the different aspects of professional services marketing and graphic design careers in a group job shadow at HR Green, an engineering and consulting firm. Learn from marketing professionals, graphic designers, and professional pursuit writers about their career paths and how they leverage various skill sets as they share real-world project examples! Cap of 20.

Interested in a career in marketing and working for an organization that gives back to the community? Through small group round table discussions, you will be able to hear about a typical day in the life of content creators, graphic designers, and digital marketing experts from local nonprofit organizations.

Join the staff from Theatre Cedar Rapids for a two-hour introduction to the theater. Receive a behind-the-scenes tour of TCR and an overview of careers within the theater. Held Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.

Do you love learning languages and helping others achieve their goals? Explore careers in sign language interpreting, spoken language interpreting, and translating, and find out what makes Hands Up Communications one of the “Coolest Places to Work” in the Corridor. Held Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.


Information Technology

If you are interested in accounting, cyber security, coding, networking, IT support, or business analytics, you will want to attend this group job shadow. Tour the office and have the opportunity for candid conversations with employees about their experience at RSM. Held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 10:00  - 11:30 am. Cap of 40. 

Students with an interest in information technology, marketing, human resources or operations can visit our corporate office in Cedar Rapids.  Discussions with dispatchers, customer service representatives, recruiters and IT professionals will be included along with a tour of the facility.  Cap of 10.

Ever wonder how hackers find vulnerabilities in systems and for those in Cyber defense how they protect these openings? This session will share with you basics in the cybersecurity and cyber defense world and how understanding computer networking basics builds you a solid base to explore a variety of careers. Plus, hear first-hand from a panel of local employers on ways you can prepare now for future success. Cap of 24.

Join Infrastructure Technology Solutions (ITS) for an overview of careers, facility tour, and workforce needs.  Featured roles and topics include: IT security – products and tools for monitoring and managing machines and users; CTO/CIO – Methods of performing CTO/CIO duties as a contracted partner and as an internal employee; physical securityvideo surveillance and door access control; network engineering and Installation, with an emphasis on network security; software engineering, APIs and the Internet of Things; computer repairs/hardware, business development roles; office manager and technical sales, performing standard business roles within a high-tech environment. Cap of 20.

Discover careers in information technology. Learn about a sampling of IT careers possibly including data infrastructure, application development, software development, AI/Robotics, and embedded systems.


Specific Career Exploration

Individual/small group shadows allow for a deeper dive into specific careers, shadowing a professional(s) in that field. These small group shadows are perfect for those who are more confident in their career interests and have had some initial exposure to that career. Job shadows may be individualized or include a handful of students, depending on demand. Pick from the below list of careers and the associated career descriptions. 

Careers to Shadow

Speak or read from scripted materials such as news reports or commercial messages on radio or television. May announce artist or title of performance, identify station or interview guests.

Provide help and advice to computer users and organizations. Either support computer networks or provide technical assistance directly to computer users.

Set up, maintain and repair computer systems. Troubleshoot hardware problems and install new equipment. Ensure that company employees have up-to-date hardware and software to complete their jobs properly. May also be responsible for helping company employees learn how to use software programs and hardware.

Select, fit and take care of costumes for cast members and aid entertainers. May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs such as packaging, displays or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Plan, design and furnish interiors of residential, commercial or industrial buildings. Formulate a design which is practical, aesthetic and conducive to intended purposes such as raising productivity, selling merchandise or improving lifestyle. May specialize in a particular field, style or phase of interior design.

Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events through interview, investigation or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio or television.

Administer collections such as artwork, collectibles, historic items or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research or public service activities.

Software developers create the computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. Software developers don’t just write code, they also have an understanding of the broad scope of the project or product. Developers think through all aspects of functionality, end-user engagement and security.

Set up and/or operate audio and video equipment including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment by connecting wires and cables for sound, mixing boards and related electronic equipment.

Design, create and modify websites. Analyze user needs to implement website content, graphics, performance and capacity. May integrate websites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio and video components to compatible web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of web and multimedia content.


How to Apply

If you are a First Time User follow these instructions
If you are a Returning User filling out a new job shadow application follow these instructions.
If you have already started applying, you may simply continue your existing application.