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.
The application window for the 2024 cohort has closed.
Submit your interest below to be notified when applications open for the 2025 Iowa Tech Connect Cohort:
Presenting Sponsor
Lead Sponsor
Lead Sponsor
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 day-long 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 the community between sessions through practical applications that encourage networking and personal growth.
- 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 18, 2024 TAI Catalysts Live (Des Moines)
- July 24, 2024 Opening Reception (Des Moines)
- July 24-25, 2024 Session 1 (Des Moines)
- August 21-22, 2024 Session 2 (Cedar Rapids/Iowa City)
- September 18-19, 2024 Session 3 (Ames)
- October 15-16, 2024 Session 4 (Cedar Falls/Waterloo)
- November 6, 2024 TAI Prometheus Awards (Des Moines)
- November 13-14, 2024 Session 5 (Des Moines)
- December 10-11, 2024 Session 6 (West Des Moines)
- December 11, 2024 Graduation Reception (West Des Moines)
**Dates subject to change
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, and meals, including a dinner or networking hour during each session are included with tuition. Participants are responsible for all travel and any lodging expenses.
Tuition must be paid in full by June 30, 2024.
All applicants will be notified of their selection status by mid-May 2024.
Yes, more than one person from a company may apply to participate in the same cohort.
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, the opening dinner, the graduation reception. Cohort members must also attend two TAI signature events during the months of the program: Catalysts Live on July 18th and the Prometheus Awards on November 6th. In addition, participants will be expected to take part in informal engagement activities between sessions.
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.
