Ignite IC aims to connect young talent to Iowa City community

Greater Iowa City Inc. is welcoming summer interns to join Ignite IC and foster connections to the community. workforce
Greater Iowa City Inc. is welcoming summer interns to join Ignite IC and foster connections to the community. CREDIT GREATER IOWA CITY INC.

A free event series sponsored by Greater Iowa City Inc. is seeking to recruit and retain young talent by fostering connections between them and the Iowa City community.

Ignite IC targets interns, college students, and early career professionals living or working in the greater Iowa City area during the summer. Citing community connection as a vital aspect to area employers in retaining talent beyond an internship or entry level position, the series stresses that retention, rather than recruitment, fortifies the local economy.

The series aims to recruit and retain talent by cultivating a love for Iowa City and showcasing what a future in the community could look like.

“This is a unique opportunity to engage our local interns and entry level talent,” said Nancy Bird, Greater IC president and CEO. “What better time to showcase all the things we love about the greater Iowa City area than when these young professionals are already here and looking for a community of their own? We are working to be intentional with each interaction to keep them here.”

Beginning June 20, Ignite IC kicks off with an evening of bowling, golf, and curated
programming.

This first event is a collaboration with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance,
connecting young professionals and interns from greater Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.

Following events include a panel discussion in downtown Iowa City, where interns can network and discover more about working in the area. Attendees will receive newsletters with local summer events, volunteer opportunities, and resources to support them in having a connected and eventful summer in the Iowa City area.

The Ignite IC event series is free and open to all interns, students, and young professionals. To learn more or register, visit https://greateriowacity.com/ignite-ic/.