The Urbandale Chamber Business Community came to the Chamber of Commerce to request an opportunity to work directly with Urbandale area students in an effort to promote local career opportunities. Junior Leaders was developed as a partnership between Urbandale businesses and schools for the benefit of the community.

Our goals:

• Introduce future employees to local career opportunities
• Provide students with skills that enhance employability
• Educate businesses on changing workforce

High School 9th & 10th Graders:
All Urbandale High School and Des Moines Christian 9th graders will be given an analysis to determine personality strengths that will be beneficial in providing feedback for educational and career decisions in the fall.

In addition, all 9th & 10th graders can attend monthly "drop-ins" at their schools by area business leaders to hear about careers in the Urbandale area and skills that bring success.

Workshops on resume writing, corporate dress, interview techniques, and more will be made available beginning in the Spring of 2009.

High School Juniors & Seniors:
In addition to access to "drop-in" sessions and workshops listed above, junior and senior students will have the ability to participate in job shadowing and internships with area businesses.

Participating businesses will post available positions on the Chamber website, (www.uniquelyurbandale.com). Students are required to go through the "hiring process" by submitting a letter of application and resume to the business. The business will contact applicant to set up an interview. Businesses choose whether to make an offer of an internship opportunity. Internships may be paid or unpaid at the discretion of the business.

College Students:
Area college students have the opportunity to participate in job shadowing and internship opportunities.

College students are invited to attend selected networking events to make connections with area business leaders.

Some college participants may be asked to serve as mentors to high school participants to give the "real scoop" on college life, (with parental consent, of course).

Chamber Businesses:
Chamber businesses have exclusive ability to participate in Junior Leaders. This is the Chamber's way of thanking our members and serves as an additional benefit of membership.

Additionally, member businesses have the opportunity to give back to the Urbandale community through this program.

To participate as a job shadowing or internship business, place a job description on the member's only portion of our website. If you are interested in serving as a drop-in guest speaker, contact Donita Snook at 515-473-6252 or dsnook@urbandalechamber.com

If you would like information regarding Chamber membership, please contact our office at (515) 331-6855 or E-Mail: tmenke@urbandalechamber.com

If you or your business would like to join the effort and help with a sponsorship, please call 473-6252 for more information.

Thank you to our participating schools: [an error occurred while processing this directive]

Career Search Tips:

• Develop a resume that show cases your strengths. Be sure to spell check and have someone edit for you. Develop a letter of application that can be used in several businesses but easily changed for specific employment opportunities.
• Invest in an interview outfit - Traditional colors such as black, grey, or navy area always appropriate. Take extra time with grooming - shine your shoes.
• Take time to research the website of the company you will be meeting with.
• Practice your handshake.
• Smile.
• Write a "Thank You" to the interviewer following your meeting.
• Follow up to check on the process if you have not heard from the company after a reasonable amount of time.
• If you are not selected, ask the interviewer why. This will give you valuable feedback on what you need to change for the next time.
• Don't get discouraged.