Presents
YurTern Logo b (1)

YURtern: College Student Development Program

They say it’s about who you know, not what you know—right? Pro tip: it’s both. The more you know, both people and insights, the better. It’s “YURtern” to take the next step towards your future success. 

Want insider advice directly from hiring professionals on interview and negotiation tips—ones you can’t just get from a Google search? Want to make connections with like-minded young professionals? 

We would say “the best part is…” but there are so many “best parts!”

  • All events are FREE! 
  • Attend at least 5 of the 6 events to receive a certificate of completion. Great addition to your resume! 
  • Attending 5+ events will also get you an invite to the exclusive post-program event where you’ll learn about personal finance, stress management, and how to navigate the transition between college and the “real world.” You’ll also get the opportunity to network with metro leaders. When else does an opportunity like that come around?! 

Your current and future bosses WANT you to participate! It shows you have initiative and want to set yourself up for success. Don’t pass up this opportunity. You never know when you’ll meet someone or learn something that can help you land that next internship or job. 

The Summer 2023 YURtern program brought in 300+ interns from 39 companies, 28 areas of study, and 17 different schools.  Stay tuned for more information about Summer 2024 Registration!

Thank you as well to these Supporting Sponsors for making YURtern possible:

Check out the '23 event for the YURtern Program

  • Wednesday, May 17th 2023 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM: EMPLOYER ONLY Information Session at Salt of the Hearth. During this info session for employers interested in learning more about the YURturn Development Program, you can chat with employers who have already sent their interns through this program and found success, or ask our team why encouraging your interns to attend is a great choice for their personal and professional lives! Presenting Sponsor: Palmer Group
  • Thursday, June 8 2023 from 11:30AM – 1:00PM: Mastering the Art of Networking at West48 The art of networking can be difficult to learn. Join your peers as we hear from Danny Beyer, author of The Ties That Bind: Networking with Style in a luncheon devoted to learning – and practicing – lifelong networking skills. Supporting Sponsor: Zirous.
  • Thursday, June 15 2023 from 3:30 – 5:30 PM: Social at Smash Park. Have some fun at one of WDM’s most popular attractions. Take a break from your office, and join us for a patio party! Practice using the networking skills you learned from Danny Beyers, and create long lasting connections with your peers. 
  • Thursday, June 22 2023 from 11:30AM – 1:00PM: Interview Like a Pro at IMT Insurance. Are you ready to take your interview skills to the next level? Join us for an exclusive expert panel discussion featuring top HR representatives from West Des Moines, as they reveal insider tips and tricks to help you land that coveted full-time position or internship. Supporting Sponsor: Baker Group.
  • Thursday, June 29 2023 from 12:00 – 1:30PM: Discover West Des Moines at the MidAmerican Energy RecPlex. The City of West Des Moines invites you to a luncheon tour of the state of the art RecPlex! You will meet the mayor as well as representatives from different city departments to learn more about what West Des Moines has to offer.
  • Thursday, July 13 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00PM: Social at Big Grove Brewery. We are collaborating with the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Intern Connect program to network with hundreds of interns in the Des Moines Metro! 
  • Thursday, July 20 from 11:30AM – 1:00PM: Pathways to Success at Westfield Campus – R&R Realty. POV: You made the connections, you landed the job after acing your interview, what comes next? Learn from young professionals how they found success in the first years of their professional lives and launched their careers forward. Supporting Sponsor: Farm Bureau Financial Services.
  • Tuesday, July 25 from 3:30 – 5:30PM: Certifiably Prepared: Certificate Presentation CelebrationBONUS! Students who attend 5+ of the 6 previous events will receive additional information about this exclusive post-program event. Supporting Sponsor: Merchants Bonding Company. 
At this event expect:
  • Receive your official Certificate of Completion
  • Take a headshot photo to utilize for professional communications like LinkedIn
  • Meet business leaders and potential mentors in small group sessions
  • Hear from Kristin Economos on finding wellbeing as a young professional in her Back to Basics talk –  strategies, research, resources for young professionals. 
Skip to content