Des Moines Center Internship Program


Info for Employers

Sample Internships
Application
Spots still remaining for Fall 2008- Apply TODAY!
Deadline for Spring 09 Participation - October 17, 2008

The University of Iowa Des Moines Center Internship Program allows undergraduate students to earn 12 credit hours while engaged in a paid-professional internship in Iowa's state capital (currently offered during the fall/spring semesters only).

Through the Des Moines Center experience, students:

  • Apply knowledge and develop professional skills
  • Discover and explore future career areas
  • Improve communication and leadership skills
  • Prepare for life after college
  • Engage in service learning
  • Earn academic credit

Unique Features

  • Work in a paid professional position for 32 hours per week
  • One full semester, spring or fall.
  • Credit awarded is University of Iowa credit (total 12 hours)
  • Academic course (3 credit hours) Fridays 10am-12:30pm
  • Service Learning
  • Professional Mentoring
  • Expert Guest Speaker series
  • World-class facilities: The Pappajohn Education Center
  • Short-term leases for housing

Portfolio System of Learning
Each student prepares a portfolio during the semester to enhance the learning experience through writing, creativity and analysis. The portfolio serves as a formal record of professional work and is reviewed prior to awarding academic credit.

The seven componenets of the portfolio are:

  1. Resume
  2. Learning Objectives
  3. Internship Defense Letter
  4. Informational Interview
  5. Creative products/writing samples
  6. Service Learning reflection
  7. Professional Mentoring


For information and advice:

    Please complete an application and/or call 319-335-1023 to schedule an appointment with Jim.

  • Jim Seyfer, Career Advisor
Sample Internships

    Students from 20 different majors participate in this program and there are a variety of opportunities available in a wide range of fields - finance, event planning, sports, marketing etc.
  • Event Planning with the Iowa Cubs
  • Graphic Design/Marketing with Mustang Media
  • Project Manager with Wells Fargo
  • Animal Researcher with Blank Zoo
  • Investments Operations with AmerUs
Eligibility/Application Instructions

  • The program is open to sophomore, junior and senior students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Business and Engineering are welcome to apply!
  • Students will submit an application and resume to be considered for the program. Deadline for Fall 08 Participation: April 18, 2008, Deadline for Spring 09 Participation: October 17, 2008
Academic Credit

  • A total of 12 hours of Academic credit is awarded for successful completion of all components of the internship program
  • 3 hours of graded credit are awarded for the Friday course focusing on aspects of Iowa culture and history
  • 9 hours of pass/fail credit will be awarded as general electives
  • Application of credit hours to satisfy program requirements is dependent upon the students major
  • Students are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor or department advisor prior to participation, to identify how the credits may apply to their overall program requirements
Housing

Short-term leases are available in quality accommodations on the campus of AIBCollege of Business.

  • Furnished and unfurnished
  • Parking
  • Pool
  • Fitness Facilities
  • On main downtown bus line

  • Service Learning
  • Professional Mentoring
Professional Mentoring

  • Each student will be paired with a professional mentor from the Young Professionals Network of Des Moines.
  • Students will participate in organized events that bring together the interns as well as the mentors to facilitate the relationship.
  • Students and mentors will be required to communicate and/or meet throughout the semester, to fulfill all components of the requirements.
Service Learning

  • Each student will have the opportunity to participate in a service project in the Des Moines area, which an organization of their choosing.
  • Examples include: chaperoning 5th graders through Junior Achievement of Iowa; designing a new marketing strategy for the American Cancer Society daffodil fundraiser; event management with the AAU basketball tournament at Wells Fargo Arena.
  • Each student will submit a report of the service project at the end of the semester.
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