University of Northern Iowa students got a firsthand look at career opportunities across the Cedar Valley during “Wilson in the Valley,” a collaboration of the Wilson College of Business, Grow Cedar Valley and businesses in the Cedar Falls and Waterloo area.

The “career crawl” gave business students the chance to explore a range of local organizations — including CPM Manufacturing, Grow Cedar Valley, SingleSpeed Brewing, VGM Group and SciPlay — while connecting directly with professionals and UNI alumni.

“Our goal was to show students the incredible professional and volunteer opportunities right here in the Cedar Valley,” said Robert J. Waller Professor of Economics Alicia Rosburg, who coordinated the event. “There are so many hidden gems in our community. We wanted students to get off campus, explore Cedar Falls and Waterloo, and realize that meaningful careers and impact opportunities exist right in their own backyard.”

The day offered a valuable blend of networking, professional insight and hands-on exposure to real-world business environments. Lexi Ohl, a sophomore studying human resource management, appreciated the professional yet welcoming atmosphere at each organization. “All of the businesses were very kind,” she said. “It made me realize that companies are a lot more relaxed than I had expected. If you want to reach out to them, it’s a lot less scary than you might think.”

Among the companies that participated, Ohl’s favorite visit was at CPM Manufacturing. “I thought it was very interesting to learn more about a manufacturing company because I didn’t know much about them before,” she said. “After visiting CPM, I realized that being an HR professional for a manufacturing company could be something I see myself doing.”

The day also featured an interactive session and lunch panel hosted by Grow Cedar Valley, where students engaged with local young professionals and business leaders. Kelsie Kunkle, talent and workforce development manager at Grow Cedar Valley, helped coordinate the event with Rosburg.

“It was a rewarding process that showcased what can happen when education and industry come together around a shared purpose,” Kunkle said.

“Our local employers are incredibly generous with their time and eager to engage with students — to help them connect what they’re learning in the classroom with real-world career paths right here in the Cedar Valley,” she said. “Their curiosity and excitement were contagious. One of my favorite moments was at the end of the day when two students approached me to ask whether Grow Cedar Valley offers internships. That conversation alone has already sparked some internal discussion with coworkers.”

Kunkle said events like the career crawl play a vital role in building bridges between students and employers. “The Cedar Valley offers so many incredible opportunities for students to get involved in the community — both during college and after graduation — but many of these can go unnoticed without intentional outreach like this,” she said. “For students, it’s a chance to explore careers, network and see how their skills apply in the real world. For businesses, it’s an opportunity to invest in the region’s future workforce and share what makes the Cedar Valley a great place to live and work. It’s like a ‘career crawl’ meets a field trip for grown-ups — a day of discovery, inspiration and connection.”

Funding for this event was made possible through the Robert J. Waller Professorship in Economics. Dr. Waller, a UNI alumnus, served as the first dean of UNI’s independent business college and was also a best-selling author, known for “The Bridges of Madison County.” His commitment to academic excellence and experiential learning continues to shape opportunities for business students today.

A strong response for this year’s event has already inspired plans to expand the program next semester. Kunkle said she’s eager to see the program grow. “I’m grateful to Professor Rosburg and UNI’s Wilson College of Business for their partnership and vision in creating this experience,” she said. “It’s collaborations like these that highlight what makes the Cedar Valley special — businesses, educators and students coming together to build a stronger, more connected community.”