InternQC connects young talent from around the globe

The Chamber’s 2025 InternQC program is connecting young talent with the people, places and experiences that make the Quad Cities a unique, friendly and accessible place to live and work.

Through a series of summer events, 172 interns from 18 local companies are exploring some of the Quad Cities' favorite places and taking part in community activities that highlight all the fun the QC has to offer – from brew pubs to our famous ballpark. It’s all part of a collaborative effort to support workforce attraction and retention—for both local businesses and the future of our region.

InternQC coordinator, Anna Possehl, Manager of Events for the Chamber said, “Leading InternQC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. Watching over 150+ interns step into new environments, build connections and grow in confidence has been truly inspiring. Each event was a reminder of the energy and potential this generation brings to the workforce. I'm proud of the opportunities we created – not just for professional development, but for real community-building,” she said.

Martin Lozano is an intern at Constellation Energy Generation and a student at Northern Illinois University. Coming from Chicago, he says the friendliness and the “chill, laid back” quality of the QC is appealing. “The connections I’ve made through the InternQC program feel very organic,” he said. While he’s been spending a lot of time at the QC Co-Lab in Davenport, he’s excited to explore more of the QC, and can see himself living here after graduation. “I’m surprised at the amount of Mexican culture here and look forward to checking out Mercado on Fifth in Moline,” he said.

Erika Ruttico from Mozambique is a community development intern at Ascentra Credit Union. She said she heard good things about the InternQC program from other participants, so she wanted to be a part of it. A St. Ambrose grad, she said the QC has been home to her for the last few years and she loves the central Midwest location.

“I’ve been to a lot of bigger cities in the U.S. There’s so much traffic,” she said. “But here, you’re able to go school, go to work, go to the gym – it’s so easy to get around.” Growing up on a beach in her home country, she said she feels used to having lots of things to do – and the QC also checks that box. She said another thing she loves about the area is the sense of community she feels here. “It’s a smaller town, but very connected. It feels like home,” she said.

Ava Archer, a native of Monmouth, IL, and graduate of St. Ambrose, is an accounting intern at Deloitte. She mentioned that even though she grew up coming to the QC for shopping and events, “The thing that surprised me about living here is that it’s a lot bigger than you think it is. There’s a lot more to do than I expected.” She said she plans to stay in the QC for at least a few years. “I’ve built a good foundation here,” she added.

Angel Molina, a student at Iowa State and native of Puerto Rico, is a Mechanical Engineering intern at Olympic Steel. “Every weekend I try to explore something new,” he said. “I really loved Mercado on Fifth, it’s probably one of the favorite things I’ve done so far.”  As with the others, he noted the friendliness of the area and the ease of transportation.

“One of the biggest influences on my decision to take the internship here is the fact that public transit is available. It really does make my life easier,” he mentioned. Of the InternQC program, he said Olympic Steel advocated for him to attend and he’s glad he did. “It’s been great getting to meet new people and discover more about the area.”

InterQC events have included a kick-off event at TBK Bank Sports Complex, a YP Power Lunch at the Vibrant Arena at the Mark and an InternQC Meetup at Bent River Brewing Co. in Moline. The final event of the season will be held at Modern Woodmen Park.