Interns working hard, playing hard during InternQC

The Quad Cities is a place where residents work hard so that they can play hard, and the 2023 InternQC program is giving summer interns a taste of the vibrant lifestyle offered in the region. Showcasing the QC’s regional opportunities and amenities in a fun, relatable environment, interns like Josh Grobart, airport management intern at Quad Cities International Airport, said the program has already made an impact on the way he perceives the region.  

“InternQC has shown me the range of professional options available here in the Quad Cities. One of my personal highlights is being able to interact with interns from different industries and learn about the vast growth opportunities present here,” said Grobart. 

The program exposes interns to the wide range of the QC’s small to large sized companies seeking talented individuals. Augustana College student and Modern Woodmen of America Enterprise Communications Intern Molly Bath said she was previously unfamiliar with the QC business ecosystem, but has learned so much about it through the program. 

“I didn’t know much about the larger companies in the area before I became an intern. But collaborating with interns from other companies through InternQC has taught me so much about QC businesses and what they do.” 

The opportunity to connect with other interns has been instrumental for the 200+ program participants representing 17 different local companies. The program aims to show young talent that the Quad Cities is a great place to establish a career through a fun experience that enables them to meet with other interns and also community leaders in the QC. 

Chamber Events Intern Anna Possehl has seen firsthand the impact that the program is having on participants. Possehl is not only a part of the program, but also a key organizer of InternQC events. 

“Many interns aren’t from the area, and so I’m really pleased with the feedback that we’ve gotten on how this program helped them become immersed in the region. It’s helping interns build relationships and experiences that highlight the Quad Cities as a place they want to be now, and hopefully into the future.” said Possehl. Possehl believes that InternQC is helping push interns outside of their comfort zone so that they can make the most of their QC experience.  

Four events took place throughout the summer, ranging from a fun, laid-back arcade experience at Analog Arcade Bar to a luncheon at the Redstone Room, featuring a professional development discussion with SAU Management Professor Jennifer Palar. Palar presented the interns with valuable insights into how they can utilize their digital platforms to advance their careers. 

Wichita-native AyMaya Brooks, a crop harvesting software PV&V (Validation Product Validation & Verification) engineer intern at John Deere, found Palar’s wisdom to be especially useful for her career goals.  

“I learned how to enhance my personal brand by being more intentional in communicating who I am and what I want to accomplish through my digital platforms. It’s something I wouldn’t otherwise have known about,” said Brooks. 

Illustrating the Quad Cities as a great place to start and grow a career is foundational to InternQC, and Grobhart said he sees potential to build his future in the QC. 

“There are similarities between my personal growth goals and the business growth opportunities available in the Quad Cities. Being able to grow personally and professionally alongside companies in the Quad Cities is exciting and unique to be apart of,” said Grobart. 

As 2023 summer internships comes to a close, Possehl said, “There’s so much to be excited about in the Quad Cities, and bringing interns together to experience this excitement is going to have a positive impact in the Quad Cities.”