Professional Development
Greater Des Moines (DSM) offers a large number of networking events for current and prospective employees in the region to reach personal and professional goals with accessibility to CEOs and key leaders. These programs are designed to help you hone your skills and acquire the knowledge you need to excel. From interns to CEOs, boost your career through professional development and continuing education opportunities.
DSM Fellowship Program
The DSM Fellowship Program is a preeminent professional development initiative that attracts, develops and retains a diverse community of top-tier graduates. Fellows are exposed to opportunities that accelerate their professional track and grant lasting connections. For more information on the opportunity investor businesses have to enhance their workforce diversity, sponsor and support Fellows’ growth in their career in Greater Des Moines (DSM), visit the DSM Fellowship Program page.
Top Five Series for Small Businesses
The Top Five series features presentations to inform, educate and inspire business owners in DSM. The events focus on a variety of timely topics that affect business owners and managers including legal, human resources, information technology, marketing, accounting and other pressing issues.
Be a Presenter
The Partnership welcomes proposals from qualified Members to facilitate educational workshops for its Memberships about general business practices.
Contact Emily McLain, Regional Affiliates & Member Support Manager, to learn more about presentation opportunities.
Inclusion Economic Growth Certificate
The Inclusive Economic Growth Certificate delivers strategic and tangible action steps that will help participants build and sustain successful workplace and marketplace practices. At the conclusion of the program, participants will walk away with their own action plans and roadmaps to continue their respective inclusive economic growth journeys. The program is delivered through a partnership between the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Des Moines-based Schabel Solutions Inc. and consists of informative e-learning modules followed by positive and engaging facilitator-led discussions that lead to self-reflection, greater self-awareness and real-world impact.
Des Moines Area Community College Business Resources
DMACC Business Resources provides a range of skills training, talent development and business consulting including needs assessment, customized training, ongoing coaching and funding. Subscribe to the monthly upcoming events email to learn about ways to uplift your employees.
Des Moines Area Community College Workforce Training Academy
Looking for a rewarding career, but in need of additional training? DMACC's Workforce Training Academy (WTA) empowers you to move toward a better paying job in industries that are in need of qualified employees. No matter what your prior education is, it provides the opportunity to get from wherever you are now to a promising career, a livable wage and prospects for advancement.
Drake University's Executive Education
Drake University’s Executive Education offers top-notch leadership development programs for mid- to senior-level and emerging leaders. The apply-as-you-learn approach combines peer level support while focusing on individual strengths and challenges in leadership development.
Leading Others is a 12- month leadership program designed for mid- to senior-level leaders in roles charged with creating organizational change. Participants of Leading Others benefit from an executive coach that walks alongside them as they move through the experience.
Executive Influence is designed to allow leaders time to reflect, practice and enhance influence skills in a small group of high performers. Learn the art of persuasion, understand personal influence styles and the power of storytelling as participants build their executive presence.
Supervisory Leadership offers new and emerging leaders foundational skills and competencies required to successfully transition from team member to team leader in a cohort of peer level leaders.
Registration is open for 2025 programs. Visit Executive Education to learn more or register for class.
Evelyn K. Davis Career Coaching
Need help with your resume, online job applications, interviewing or getting connected with career opportunities? Evelyn K. Davis is here to help with free career coaching services. Check out the events calendar for upcoming career development opportunities.
IowaWORKS Job Readiness Workshops
IowaWORKS workshops are a great tool to help guide any Iowan toward a new and promising career. The IowaWORKS job network regularly conducts presentations facilitated by dedicated staff, both in-person and virtual, covering topics such as resume writing, interviewing techniques, financial management, career planning, job search strategies and more.
The Jacobson Institute at Grand View University
The Jacobson Institute at Grand View University serves as a resource at the intersection of workforce, education, and business. Its mission is to equip learners with the skills and training necessary for success in an evolving workforce.
The Institute offers 50+ online Industry Verified Credentials (IVC's) and in-person programs tailored to various career stages and industries.
- Prepare: Designed for emerging professionals entering the workforce, these programs emphasize the development of a well-rounded skill set, blending technical expertise with interpersonal abilities to enhance employability.
- Produce: Aimed at current professionals seeking to elevate their performance and provide opportunities to advance skills and competencies in alignment with career goals.
- Pivot: For individuals contemplating career transitions, by offering pathways to acquire new skills and explore professional opportunities, supporting adaptability in a dynamic job market.
Through these programs, The Jacobson Institute addresses the educational and job training needs essential for a future-ready workforce, fostering continuous learning and development to meet the demands of tomorrow's work environment.
Young Professionals Connection
Young Professionals Connection (YPC) is a group of dynamic and talented young people who are committed to making Des Moines a better place. YPC offers countless ways to get involved in the DSM community and carry out their mission of promoting an environment that attracts and retains the next generation of young professionals. Learn more about YPC at ypcDSM.
Connect with Locals
Put your finger on the pulse of DSM by connecting with local professionals. Meeting locals from across the region is a great way to network with like-minded people. Embrace professional development in Des Moines and begin growing your network today.
Volunteer Opportunities
Donate your time and talents to make the region a better place. From councils to committees, we need your help working on complex issues and major opportunities like government policy, workforce attraction, Downtown events and more. Find out how to get involved with community events and causes and how you can give back to your community.
Continuing Education Establishments
Annual Programs
Regional Business Events
Business-to-business networking events are open to Chamber Members across DSM's Affiliate regions and are held at a different Chamber Member business each month. Regional Business Events include Regional Business After Hours, Regional Lunches and much more. Each of these events offer a unique opportunity to network and boost your professional development.
For upcoming events across DSM, check out our calendar.