Presents
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YURtern Registration 2025 will open in March!

It’s “YURtern” to take the next step towards your future success. 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.

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 4 of the 6 events to receive a certificate of completion. Great addition to your resume! 
  • Attending 4+ 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.” 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.  Each year the program continues to grow – so you can look forward to an even bigger cohort to network with in 2024. See the 2024 YURtern events calendar below! 

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

Check out the 2024 events for the YURtern Program

  • Tuesday May 14 from 3:30-5:00: EMPLOYER ONLY Information Session. This info session is for employers interested in learning more about the YURturn 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.
  • Wednesday June 5 from 3:30 – 5:00: the Art of Networking and Personal Branding at The MidAmerican Energy RecPlex The art of networking can be difficult to learn. Join your peers as we hear from David Allen Tracey, a personal brand coach, serial entrepreneur, and an award-winning marketing and advertising strategist. Supporting Sponsor: Zirous.
  • Wednesday June 12 from 3:30 – 5:00: Networking 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 David Allen Tracy, and create long lasting connections with your peers. Supporting Sponsor: Valera.
  • Thursday June 20 from 3:30 – 5:00: Ask HR Panel at IMT Insurance. What have you always wanted to ask the person interviewing you? When is the right time to ask for a promotion? What are benefits? 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 and thrive in that coveted full-time position or internship. Supporting Sponsor: Baker Group.
  • Wednesday June 26 from 3:30 – 5:00: 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.
  • Wednesday July 10 from 3:30- 5:00: YURtern Alumni Social at Spare Time. We are bringing back YURtern participants from six years of the program to connect with you! Where are they now? What was the most valuable thing they learned? What the heck is next?! Chat all this and more with key members of our 1,300+ alumni network. Supporting Sponsor: Athene.
  • Wednesday July 17 from 3:30 – 5:00: How to Succeed, Roundtable with Young Professionals at Bella Love Event Venue. 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.
  • INVITE ONLY – Wednesday July 24 from 2:30 – 5:00PM: Certifiably Prepared: Certificate Presentation +  CelebrationStudents who attend 4+ of the 6 previous events will receive additional information about this exclusive post-program event. Host Sponsor:  Merchants Bonding Company. Supporting Sponsor: Wellabe
Participants invited to this exclusive final event will receive their official Certificate of Completion, have the opportunity to take a free headshot photo provided by Brent Isenberger Photography, and hear from Kristin Economos from Life Skills Launch on the transition from college to professional life!


Explore in your Spare Time

Join us this summer for a brand new adventure with our Spare Time Exploration Map presented by Spare Time Entertainment! Submit photos exploring these sites through the YURtern guide on the West Des Moines Chamber App for a chance to win gift cards and prizes from any of the merchants on our map. Where will you explore in your Spare Time?

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