Quad Cities Students Explore Future Careers at Student Success Symposium
Empowering Young Minds: The Symposium Experience
On April 29, 2025, over 100 students from the Quad Cities area gathered at the Davenport RiverCenter for the highly anticipated Student Success Symposium. This event served as an invaluable platform for students to widen their career horizons, showcasing various potential employment opportunities across multiple industries. Among the attendees was 15-year-old Maddi Lang, a student from Davenport North High School, who despite having aspirations in cosmetology, was eager to explore other career pathways.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
As part of the symposium, students visited various employer booths, where they engaged directly with seasoned professionals to learn about different careers, job requirements, and training opportunities. Maddi found herself drawn to a particular booth hosted by the Local Union 25 Plumbers and Pipefitters of Rock Island. Here, attendees not only gained firsthand insights into the skilled trades but also participated in live demonstrations, including welding.
"I want to go into cosmetology, but I enjoyed trying my hand at welding today," Maddi shared, highlighting the event’s ability to spark interest in diverse fields.
A Hotspot for Career Exploration
The symposium offered students access to approximately 50 employer tables, each filled with representatives eager to answer questions and provide informative sessions. The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, a key organizer of the symposium, was instrumental in creating an environment that encouraged open dialogue between students and employers. James Porter, the chamber’s vice president of talent and inclusion, emphasized the importance of engagement, urging students to ask questions and explore every corner of the event.
“Today is all about you. Please make sure to visit every table and engage in conversations,” he encouraged the attendees.
High-Tech Innovations at the Event
One particularly fascinating highlight was from Nestle Purina, which brought a special guest—“Spot,” a robot developed by Boston Dynamics. This robotic marvel is utilized at Nestle Purina for predictive maintenance on the factory floor. This extraordinary integration of technology fascinated numerous students, drawing many to their booth.
Kyle White, an assistant engineer manager at Nestle Purina, narrated Spot’s role in the factory: "It checks for small machinery problems before they become major issues, helping us avoid potentially disastrous failures."
Interactive Learning Experiences
The event featured several engaging booths designed to attract students’ attention. DuTrac Credit Union, for example, brought its mobile branch vehicle and introduced an interactive financial activity where attendees tested their skills by counting money. Such hands-on experiences not only made learning enjoyable but also imparted essential life skills.
At the Hy-Vee table, company representatives showcased various products and provided information on a vast array of jobs—including logistics and IT roles—beyond the typical grocery store positions.
Diverse Career Options Highlighted
Numerous representatives from different industries expressed their eagerness to connect with young talent and share insights about the diverse career options available in today’s job market. Frankie Lewis, a freshman from Davenport Central, noted, “I’m not sure what I want to do yet, but I’m looking forward to discovering potential employers today.”
Voices of Experience
The symposium also featured testimonials from professionals eager to inspire the next generation. Holly Galvin from Russell expressed her desire to motivate young individuals towards careers in construction. “There are so many jobs available in this field,” she remarked.
Similarly, Sarah Perry from Hy-Vee emphasized the wide-ranging career paths within the company. “Students should know there are myriad opportunities here, such as roles in IT and truck driving,” she stated.
Building Connections with Local Employers
The Quad Cities International Airport was represented by Joe Goetz, who highlighted the airport’s array of employment opportunities. “I hope students realize there is a career path for them within the airport community,” he mentioned.
Chris Wacker from Iowa 80 Group added, “There are many good-paying jobs available. Students have options even if they choose not to go the traditional college route.”
Technology in Careers: A Fun Perspective
Inviting students to rethink how they view technology, Lauren Olson from Twin State Technical Services said, “I want them to see that technology can be fun and accessible, changing their perspective of what tech careers entail.”
An Engaging Learning Environment
With all the vibrant activity and learning during the symposium, students were left with more than just pamphlets. Many walked away with newfound knowledge and potential next steps for their careers.
Valuable Insights from Students
Participants expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities presented. Nick Tronnes, an 18-year-old senior, reflected on the benefits of attending the event, saying, “I’m going to college for sports physical therapy, and I enjoyed exploring what else is out there.”
Frankie Lewis also shared thoughts about the importance of attending such events when starting their career journey.
Concluding Thoughts on Future Prospects
The Student Success Symposium effectively united students and industry professionals, fostering a beneficial exchange of information. James Porter’s closing remarks encapsulated the day’s purpose: “My hope is that students leave with a burning curiosity about the exciting opportunities ahead of them.”
As attendees depart, they carry with them not just information, but also a spark of inspiration, ready to embark on their journeys toward fulfilling careers. The next generation stands poised to navigate an ever-evolving job market, thanks to events like this that empower and educate them about the possibilities lying ahead.
By fostering connections and providing resources, the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and participating organizations continue to play a crucial role in shaping the next generation’s professional landscape.
