Types of careers in this pathway include: engineers, architects, construction roles, computer software developers, CAD drafters, diesel mechanics, transportation careers, scientists and more!
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.
Are you interested in exploring a career as an auto technician, auto mechanic, body shop technician or automotive salesperson? Do you like working with your hands? If so, this experience is for you! Hear from local auto mechanics about their career, training and what a typical day looks like. Tour the shop and observe certified mechanics at work. You’ll even get to see an oil change! You will also hear from the auto sales manager about their role and management of the day to day. Come join us at Billion Auto in Iowa City! Cap of 10.
Are you interested in cars? Ever questioned how engines operate, tinkered around on a vehicle or performed basic car maintenance? Interact with dozens of local automotive industry partners to explore the future of Auto Tech in the region. This unique job shadow experience is formatted like a career fair and offers participants hands-on activities as well as new technology demonstrations. Participants will be able to interact with service technicians, shop foremen and service managers from dealerships and shops throughout the corridor. There are TONS of prizes and swag handed out throughout the event and lunch is provided. After lunch, current Kirkwood automotive technology students will be putting some cars on our 4 wheel chassis dynamometer.
If you are interested in piloting, aircraft mechanics, or aviation engineering, this is the career exploration opportunity for you. During this day you will learn how to get your piloting license and ratings, and available careers for pilots and aircraft mechanics. You will also get an inside look at the inner workings of an airport by touring their facilities, including the Operator Performance Laboratory and maintenance shop. Cap of 18.
Do you have a passion for mechanics and aviation? This job shadow will introduce you to exciting careers in the aviation maintenance or aviation repair industry! Held at an airplane hangar at the Eastern Iowa Airport, see how an aviation mechanic inspects the engines, landing gear, instruments, pressurized sections, accessories, electrical systems, other parts of an aircraft, and do the necessary maintenance and replacement of parts. Get the inside scoop on the hands-on training that will be offered through Kirkwood’s brand new Aviation Maintenance Technology Program. Cap of 15.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to create a new school, library or fire station? Come meet our proactive, collaborative and tenacious designers and Building Information Modelers. Explore opportunities in commercial construction design for careers in architectural technology, mechanical/electrical/plumbing system design, computer aided design & drafting. Our expertise is in Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing/Technology design and our job shadow will cover 3D modeling in Revit of a prototype high school. Cap of 12.
Do you enjoy solving problems, servicing customers, and working with fellow employee-owners? Explore the growing fields of supply chain and warehouse logistics while learning how Van Meter’s culture and employee-owner experience makes it a fun place to work! Join the team for a tour of the facility and meet with operations and automations staff to learn about a variety of careers such as project management, distribution center team member, traveling construction coordinator, engineering, sales, marketing, and finance. Held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Cap of 20.
If you are interested in chemistry and consumer product testing, then this day is for you! Experience the life of a quality analyst at Frontier Co-op. Learn about the main testing methods used to ensure high quality spices, culinary herbs and essential oils. Gain insight into the diverse set of quality indicators, as well as regulatory requirements used at Frontier Co-op. Cap of 12.
Ever wondered why there's so much green space next to the river or why a building looks the way it does? The answer may be related to city planning. In this job shadow experience, students will learn some urban planning concepts in the office and then tour one of the downtown neighborhoods to see how they are applied. Cap of 10.
Explore the many careers in the construction industry, from construction management to skilled trades with Mortenson. This job shadow will guide you through the construction process from start to finish. Visit an active construction site and speak to professionals about their careers, how they got there, as well as identify career interests and outline career pathways. Held in late Spring.
Explore careers in mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering. This is a great job shadow whether you have a general interest in engineering or you have a specific career in mind.
If you are interested in learning more about synthetic DNA, you will want to join this tour of IDT. During this tour you will learn about the roles of chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, microbiology, and more. Speak with professionals about the many different research and diagnostic purposes, discuss those applications and learn how the DNA gets used out in the world. Cap of 12.
Explore the building blocks of landscape architectural design with Ross Land Studio. Spend half a day stepping through the design process on site and get a first hand look at this challenging and ever-changing career. You will start off at the Linn County Kirkwood Regional Center in Hiawatha, then travel to a local project site in Cedar Rapids. Please make sure you have transportation during the job shadow. Held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Cap of 5.
Explore the available STEM careers in the agriculture sector. If you know you’re interested in agriculture but you just want to know what opportunities are available, then this is the perfect job shadow for you. Learn more about becoming an agricultural or environmental engineer, agronomist, and a specialist in livestock. Hosted in April or early May 2025 at the ISU research farm in Crawfordsville. Cap of 10.
Do you enjoy being outdoors and helping others in your community? If the answer is yes, then this day is for you! Participants will learn more about the many vital, high paying jobs in the energy and utility industry. Careers such as line mechanic, meter technician, electrical engineer, and natural gas mechanic will be discussed. Equipment and tools used in the industry will be available to give participants the opportunity to “try their hand” at performing basic line worker tasks. Held on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 from 9:00 - 11:30 am. Cap of 25.
Students with an interest in driving, maintenance technicians and safety can visit our terminal in Homestead, IA. Discussions with mechanics, shop foreman, and safety professionals will be included, along with a tour of the facility, as well as time to explore the inside cab of a truck and trailer. Cap of 10.
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