Iowa Tech Connect
Empowering Early-Career Tech Professionals in Iowa
In the rapidly evolving technology landscape of Iowa, the demand for skilled professionals who are not just adept in their technical fields but are also equipped with leadership and interpersonal skills is on the rise.
Iowa Tech Connect is your opportunity to take a step forward in your career and get plugged into Iowa’s growing tech scene. This program is meticulously designed to foster the growth of early-career tech professionals by offering guidance, community, and career advancement opportunities. Guided by industry veterans, participants emerge from the program ready to make a significant impact on Iowa’s tech ecosystem and accelerate their careers.
Submit your interest below to be notified when applications open for the 2025 Iowa Tech Connect Cohort:
Iowa Tech Connect is presented by:
About the program
Iowa Tech Connect is more than just a professional development program; it’s a unique career catalyst. Through a series of six comprehensive sessions over a period of six months, you’ll be immersed in an environment that enables growth from personal development to community impact.
Here’s what sets the program apart:
- Expert-led Insights: Learn directly from leaders in the Iowa technology sector through dynamic presentations and engaging panel discussions.
- Interactive Learning: Participate in project work and group sessions that translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills.
- Networking Opportunities: Build genuine relationships and networks through the program's unique event experiences that will support your career trajectory.
Program HighLights
- Comprehensive Curriculum: From career planning and professional presence to community engagement, our curriculum covers essential aspects to thrive in the tech industry.
- Skill Development: Focus on soft skills like navigating interpersonal relationships, goal setting and leadership–all crucial for career advancement.
- Extended Learning: Engage with Iowa’s tech industry through exclusive industry tours and events, gaining firsthand insights and connections.
- Tailored Content: Designed specifically for tech professionals aiming to deepen their industry understanding and impact.
SESSION TOPICS
- Career Planning & Development
- Professional Presence & Interaction
- Leading by Influence
- Relationship Building
- Navigating Organizational Ecosystems
- Community Engagement
KEY DATES
- July 17, 2025 TAI Catalysts Live (Des Moines)
- July 22-23, 2025 Opening Reception & Session 1 (Des Moines)
- August 20-21, 2025 Reception & Session 2 (Iowa City)
- September 17-18, 2025 Reception & Session 3 (Ames)
- October 15-16, 2025 Reception & Session 4 (Cedar Falls/Waterloo)
- November 6, 2025 TAI Prometheus Awards (Des Moines)
- November 12-13, 2025 Reception & Session 5 (West Des Moines)
- December 9-10, 2025 Reception & Session 6 (Des Moines)
- December 10, 2025 Graduation Reception (Des Moines)
The program will take place monthly from July to December across the state of Iowa. Locations may include Central Iowa (Des Moines/Ames), Eastern Iowa (Iowa City/Cedar Rapids), Cedar Falls/Waterloo, and/or Western Iowa.
**Dates subject to change
**Dates subject to change
BY THE NUMBERS
48
48 graduates have completed the Iowa Tech Connect program across two cohorts.
45%
45% of cohort members received a promotion within one year of graduating the program, exemplifying their personal growth.
100+
Cohort members expand their network by over 100 connections throughout the program, building meaningful relationships with peers and leaders.
TestimonialS
Discover the real-world impact of Iowa Tech Connect through the voices of our alumni. These video testimonials highlight their personal experiences and the transformative effects the program has had on their careers.
Dive into Iowa’s vibrant technology ecosystem and unlock your potential with Iowa Tech Connect. This is your opportunity to learn alongside your peers, connect with like-minded professionals, and pave the way for a successful career in technology.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Tuition for Iowa Tech Connect is $2,000 for TAI members and $2,500 for non-members.
All session programming, coursework, industry tours, meals, and official Iowa Tech Connect receptions/dinners are included with tuition. Participants are responsible for all travel and any lodging expenses.
Tuition must be paid in full by June 30, 2025.
All applicants will be notified of their selection status by June 1, 2025.
Yes, more than one person from a company may apply to participate in the same cohort. To ensure company representation in the cohort, organizations are encouraged to submit applications for more than one candidate.
The program is open to all professionals in the Iowa technology industry looking to broaden their network and connect with industry peers through community engagement and professional development programming. Content and conversations will be from a technical lens and speakers will primarily have a technical background.
The program is designed for early-career professionals, typically with eight years or less of full-time experience. This is just a general guideline, anyone interested in the program offerings should apply.
More than eight years of experience? Consider applying for the Iowa Technology Leadership Institute.
All applications are reviewed based on several criteria, including leadership potential, community engagement, and evaluated through an extensive selection process by a sub-committee.
Attendance is required at all six sessions and receptions, the opening reception, the graduation reception. Cohort members must also attend two TAI signature events during the months of the program: Catalysts Live on July 17, 2025 and the Prometheus Awards on November 6, 2025. In addition, participants will be expected to take part in informal engagement activities between sessions. Optional industry tours will be made available each session.
In-person attendance at all sessions is required. Hybrid or virtual options are not planned.
Fill out the nomination form here to nominate an early-career individual. All nominees will be notified in throughout the application process and must complete the application in order to be considered for the cohort.
Contact
Questions? Please contact Jessica Erickson, TAI Director of Events and Iowa Tech Connect Facilitator at jessica@technologyiowa.org.
Know an early-career individual who should apply? Nominate them here.
