Student Career Services
Get Real-World Experience That Sets You Apart
At NIACC, your future starts here! Through exciting opportunities like registered apprenticeships, hands-on internships, and eye-opening job shadows, you’ll gain the real-world experience employers are looking for. These programs don’t just build your resume—they connect you to valuable job opportunities and career pathways right here in our community and beyond. Ready to turn your passion into a profession? Start your journey today.
Gain experience in your field and college credits! Internships are the first step to the career you have been dreaming of.
What is an Internship?
An internship is a partnership between individual students, NIACC, and area businesses. Internships are an ideal way for students to connect their classroom learning to the actual work world.
Internship Benefits
- Earning college credit while working
- Possibly earning money
- Increasing employment skills
- Gaining exposure to real-world problems and issues
- Evaluating specific career paths
- Networking that could lead to permanent employment
Where to Find Internships
Internship opportunities are everywhere! Students are encouraged to seek out internship opportunities in a variety of ways. Some of the most effective search methods include: newspaper classified ads, internet, etc. If a student has a specific company in mind, they are encouraged to contact the company to see if they have an internship program and if they do not, would they be interested in starting one?
NIACC will provide assistance in locating possible internship sites; however, securing the internship is ultimately the student’s responsibility.
Apprenticeships give you a chance to learn real skills, get paid, and jump-start your career—all while working alongside pros in the field.
- Formal application to the Registered Apprenticeship Program
- Actively completes college coursework while working part-time
- Graduates from college and maintains paid apprenticeship until program completion
- Earns academic certificate or degree from college
- Potentially is hired full-time
Internship VS. Registered Apprenticeship
| Benefit | Internship | Registered Apprentice |
|---|---|---|
| Paid work experience | Maybe | Yes |
| On-the-job training related to college course work | Maybe | Yes |
| Mentoring by an experienced professional | Maybe | Yes |
| Receive college credit | Maybe | Yes |
| Required classroom instruction/college courses | Maybe | Yes |
| Gain skills and knowledge for a specific job | Maybe | Yes |
| Receive at least 1 nationally-recognized, transferrable credential or certification | No | Yes |
| More than 90% of Registered Apprentices become full-time employees upon program completion | No | Yes |
Get help finding local, regional and national jobs! Here you will find answers to your questions and prepare to enter the workforce. Better your chances of finding the position that is the best fit for you by researching employers and labor statistics.
Prepare to Enter the Workplace:
A new, free, online webinar to help college students and recent graduates prepare for entry into the workplace is now available. JobSTART 101: Smart Tips and Real-World Training is a first-of-its-kind course developed by the Business Roundtable and the Human Resources Policy Association, with support from Accenture. Topics range from how to communicate and solve problems on the job, to how to develop a successful business persona. You may complete the program in 90 minutes or tackle six topical modules individually.
Local Job Search:
- NIACC employment opportunities (at NIACC)
- NIACC Job Postings (Job Board)
- IowaWorks
- Register with Iowa Workforce Development; allows you to create your personal profile, search job listings, and much more.
- Globe Gazette
Regional & National Jobs:
- Des Moines Register
- Nation Job
- CareerLink
- Iowa Workforce Development, select the region of interest from the map
- USA Jobs, employment opportunities with the Federal Government
General Job Search
Research A Potential Employer
Labor Market Information
- Bureau of Labor and Statistics
- US Department of Labor
- State of Iowa employment outlook
Resume & Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are key to landing a job. A strong resume highlights your skills, while a cover letter showcases your top achievements. Tailor each to the job you’re applying for.
Resume Resources:
- Resume Guide– Organize your work history for easy resume building.
- Resume Builder – Create a professional resume online.
- Why You Need a Resume – Tips from Collegegrad.com.
Cover Letter Tips:
- Keep it concise—highlight key achievements, do not repeat your resume.
- Always send a cover letter with your resume.
- Make it personal—never use a generic template without tailoring it to yourself and the job you are applying for.
Interview Prep
A job interview is your chance to make a great impression. Be prepared!
- Interview Guide – Tips from Princeton University
Top Resources:
- 100 Common Interview Questions – Practice your responses.
- Phone Interview Tips – How to ace virtual interviews.
- Dressing for Success – Professional attire for men & women.
- 10 Tough Interview Questions & Best Answers – Be ready for anything.
- Sample Cover Letters – To begin writing your own
- Create Your Elevator Pitch – A quick summary of who you are to make a strong first impression
Resources on NIACC’s Campus:
- Computer Labs: NIACC has free printing services available for students in McAllister Hall 110 and Student Housing (East Wing).
- Professional & Career Clothing Closet: NIACC students have free access and can keep items indefinitely. Located in McAllister Hall 206G & 206K.
- Food Pantry: Don’t go to your interview hungry. Visit the Activity Center, Room 136 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Take advantage of these tools to stand out and land the job you want!
Resume Review and Practice Interviews are coaching services that can really impact your job search success. Email our team, careerservices@niacc.edu to schedule a coaching session:
For questions and/or to be connected with a NIACC team member that can assist, contact the Director of Emerging Workforce Solutions.