InternQC aims to keep young talent in the Quad Cities

The Chamber's 2024 InternQC program is bringing young people together for summer networking and an introduction to the lifestyle and amenities of the region. The program hosts a series of events that showcases the best of the Quad Cities, including local favorites along with various community happenings. It is a partnership that advances workforce attraction and retention for our region and for businesses.  

 "I love the small-town things you can get in the Quad Cities - but you can still get the bigger city things, too," said Lea Selquist of LaSalle-Peru, Illinois, who is interning at RSM this summer. Selquist said she has a new appreciation for the area now that she's seeing it with new eyes. "I had only visited occasionally, and not to the downtown areas," she said. "I can definitely see myself here if I get a job offer." Selquist added that she's excited to share Quad Cities events and activities with her family, "It's only an hour from home - I want to introduce my parents to the craft beer scene here and the Farmer's Market." 

Careem Hunter from Rock Island, is an Illinois State physics major who is interning with Constellation Energy. He said he's enjoying the program as a Quad Citizen, and can see that it's successfully introducing people to the area. "It engages interns all around the Quad Cities - it's good networking. Not everyone is familiar with the Quad Cities, but once they get know it, they like it," he said. "I've met people from different parts of the state and country - and from lots of different businesses that are new to me."

Chase Mason, a Deloitte intern from Bettendorf agrees, "The Chamber does a lot for the community in general, and this program opens the eyes of people to our community. For interns, this program is huge." 

Four events took place throughout the summer, including bowling at the TBK Bank Sports Complex, a fun, laid-back arcade experience at Analog Arcade Bar and social gathering at Armored Gardens. The final event will be a River Bandits Game.

Anna Possehl, Manager, Program & Events at the Quad Cities Chamber, was a part of the program last year as an intern. This year, as a Chamber employee, she is an event organizer. "I've seen the InternQC program from two different perspectives. Being an intern in the program showed me the importance of building relationships and networking with interns outside of your company. Seeing the growth in confidence, people skills and long-lasting friendships by the end of the program, while showcasing the Quad Cities is why InternQC is so important." She said this year's program had 100+ interns representing 28 local companies. 

Kristen Kop of Hawaii is an intern at the Quad Cities International Airport. She says she loves having the opportunity to work and live in the Quad Cities and has been pleasantly surprised by the Midwest. "It's really beautiful here - I love the river and the outdoor activities. And everyone is so kind - the people I work with and the people I've met in the community. I feel like that says a lot coming from Hawaii."  Kop, a competitive pickleball player, said she also found a community here for her sport and is impressed by the many events every weekend, "I can't wait to go to the Mercado, and I love all the concerts the Quad Cities has all summer long." 

She says she's attended all of the InternQC events, "It's a great way to network and meet people - and who can resist free food?"