The Corridor’s next generation graduates

Coe College graduate McKenna Heisler sits in the college’s Stewart Memorial Library on a recent morning. PHOTO ADAM MOORE

 

By CBJ News Staff
news@corridorbusiness.com

They’re taking that big walk across the stage to receive their college diploma, but the biggest question of all will be where they walk next.

Six graduating seniors took time out of their busy schedules to answer the CBJ’s questions about what’s next, what will guide their career choices, and what would keep them in the Corridor, where their talents are sorely needed.

There’s certainly some common ground among these bright young professionals. They are looking for employers that offer opportunities for growth and development, and give back to their communities. They want to be able to make a difference in their jobs, and they want the kind of life-work balance that won’t leave them scrambling to find another job in a year.

Of course, not everyone’s on the same path. Some are headed home, while others are looking for that one big opportunity. We hope you’ll find some insights – and maybe your next star employee – as you read this special roundup.

 

Nicole Pereira Plaza
Cornell College
Age: 22
Major: Business – Finance
Hometown: La Paz, Bolivia

 

What field or career are you hoping to get into? Do you see opportunities for that in this area?

When going to college and deciding what to study, I was always told to think realistically, which translates to “major in something you can get a job in.” With that in mind, fash­ion school, which was my dream, was out of the question. Working with numbers came easily to me, so I decided to major in finance.

During my senior year, I have been working on a business plan and financial projec­tions for my fashion brand, Virid. It’s something I will continue after graduation and hope that it grows to become my full-time job. Otherwise, for the time being, I plan to work in the fashion industry. Having majored in finance, in my opinion, has placed me ahead of other candidates.

What would keep you in the region after graduation?

After graduating I won’t have much in my bank account, in addition to thousands of dollars in debt. As an out-of-state student in Iowa without a car, it’s practically impossible to find other transportation unless I were to find a job in a place like Des Moines, Ames or Iowa City, where I could possibly find an apartment nearby and at a reasonable price. Let’s say that I do end up finding a job in a city with an apartment nearby. Where am I going to get the money for the security deposit and advance rent payment? It’s financially hard, but not impossible.

The alternative of moving in with a family member until being financially stable is easier and less of a burden. The only way to stay in the area is if there was a way to facilitate the transition for out-of-state students into the area’s workforce.

What are your expectations for the workplace as you enter the job market?

I don’t have the luxury of being picky. I need a job to get on my feet planted on the ground, to start paying off my student loans and save up for a car. Once I am financially stable, I can look for a job with higher pay and benefits. However, when accepting my first job after graduation, I need to make sure there is room for growth, and that my job will provide me with skills that will eventually help me gain a better job.

What would you say are the most important social or political issues for you and/or members of your graduating class?

In my opinion, the most important issue is negative stereotyping of women. Personally, I love fashion and that plays a big role into how I dress in everyday life. I make sure that I am dressed fashion-forward and accordingly for the occasion. However, some people see that negatively, like I am shallow, weak or fragile. The fact that I like to make a statement does not define who I am or my capabilities. It only defines my fashion sense.

How big of an issue is college debt for you and your friends as you prepare for the next stage in life?

That’s the No. 1 obstacle I will face, especially because I plan on launching my own busi­ness. I don’t want to spend the next 25 years of my life trying to pay them off. Finding a job, then, that will at least help cover those payments will be a challenge, but if that means I have to work two jobs in addition to my personal business, so be it.

 


 

McKenna Heisler
Coe College
Age: 22
Major(s): Business Administration, Psychology, Organizational Science
Hometown: Cedar Rapids

 

What field or career are you hoping to get into? Do you see opportunities in this area?

I was undecided all throughout college on what field I wanted to pursue. It wasn’t until I had two intern­ships within talent acquisition that I knew I wanted to enter human resources. After graduation, I will be working as a student employee recruiter at Rockwell Collins on the University Relations team. I believe there are many opportunities within HR, and that this is an area that’s growing. A specific area that I see growing is regarding data analytics. The idea of ‘Big Data’ and using data to benefit an organization will really make a difference in the upcoming years.

You’ve already landed a job here in the Corridor, but if not, what would have kept you here?

I am from Cedar Rapids originally and planned on staying here. If that wasn’t the case, I think the two things that would keep me in the area are opportunities for growth in my career, and the ability to be in­volved in the company and social life. Cedar Rapids has numerous companies that allow new graduates to not only jump-start their career, but continue that growth for years to follow. The community also has a wide variety of industries, which makes it easier for an individual to find what field they are passionate about and pursue a career in regards to that.

What are your expectations for the workplace as you enter the job market?

The biggest expectations for the workplace I have revolve around culture, quality of work, mobility and growth, flexibility, and the company’s vision and industry. You have to love what you’re doing, the people you’re doing it with and the company you’re doing it for. I want to be able to work for a company that I can see myself growing with professionally and personally.

How big of an issue is college debt for you and your friends as you prepare to go on to the next stage in your life?

I think college debt is always in the back of graduates’ minds, but at least in my opinion, I look at it as an investment. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the education and connections that I received complet­ing my undergraduate degrees at Coe College.

 


 

Jose Manuel Diaz
University of Iowa
Age: 22
Major: Finance, with an International Business certificate
Hometown: Melrose Park, Illinois

 

What field or career are you hoping to get into?

This past summer, I interned at JP Morgan Chase through the Corporate Analyst Development Program. I have the opportunity to continue working there come graduation with a full-time job, and plan on joining my team in Chicago by mid-summer. I enjoy the rigorous and rewarding work of the financial industry, and I do see many opportunities in this field. However, one persistent thought I have as I continue my personal and professional journey is, “am I furthering my ultimate goal of making the world a better place?”

With that in mind, I plan on continuing my studies once I gain a few years of “real world” work experience. I want to pursue a master’s degree in business/public administration, and the ultimate goal is to give back to communities I’ve lived in with new business and investment ventures. Ideas making the world more sustainable through technological advances, like helping rural towns in Iowa become more connected or creating mental health clinics in rural villages of Mexico, inspire me.

What would keep you in the region after graduation?

Upon moving to Iowa City at 18 years old, I remember feeling the intellectual, bustling and diverse essence of the community. That alone made me want to stay in the region forever. However, as­piring to be a young professional requires constant growth and new exposures. Iowa City, despite being a great place to live in, is currently too small for me to picture the professional growth I want to see in my future as I plan want to work in a global setting. This is not to say I am over the region – I can most definitely see myself settling and raising a family in what I believe is the most friendly and ethical place in the world.

What are your expectations for the workplace as you enter the job market? Are there any ‘dealbreakers’ out there?

My expectations for the workplace align with many of my “dealbreakers.” I am an inelastic person in the sense that in order to thrive, I need to feel passionate and happy about the work that I do, otherwise I will not commit to that job. Additionally, work-life balance is a concept many Midwest­erners appreciate in their lifestyle and I am no different. I highly value my personal time to connect with friends, family and my community, so I would like to make sure my work days are efficient, productive and independent of my life after working hours are done.

What would you say are the most important social or political issues for you and/or members of your graduating class?

The most important social and political issue for my graduating class and other members of my age is learning how we can overcome the polarization of societal and political views. In light of the recent presidential election, I and others have noticed a stark split created by the media and candidates, dividing a nation of so much potential into political categories. I believe there is a large portion of members in my class who understand we must look past large party labels and begin to see each other as more human than enemies.

 


 

Miranda Hammes
Mount Mercy University
Age: 21
Majors: Business Management, Human Resources
Hometown: Newhall

 

What field or career are you hoping to get into? Do you see opportunities for that in this area?

I hope to start my career in human resources or a related position. I do see opportunities in the area, although the number of openings are slim.

What would keep you in the region after graduation?

Family. I am a ‘homebody,’ so knowing that my family is here, and always will be, is what makes me stay in the area. Aside from that, Cedar Rapids is growing rapidly and there is so much do and get involved with in the Corridor – a fact that many people my age don’t realize.

What kind of company are you looking to work for in your first post-college job?

Over the past years of education and as I became involved with internships, I have really come to know what I want and don’t want in a company. First and foremost, I want to work for a company that values its employees, as well as its community. A company that not only gives back to its community but also gets involved to make a difference really stands out to me. I also want to work for a company where I know I am making a difference. Feeling this sense of accomplishment helps me to stay motivated and focus on my long-term goals.

What are the most important social or political issues for you and members of your class?

Safety. My fellow classmates may think differently, but safety is a major concern of mine, both now and post-gradua­tion. In Cedar Rapids, we are fortunate to live in a safe area without our security being jeopardized, but some days trag­edy hits too close to home. World violence continues to get worse, and safety is a concern for many, including myself.

How big of an issue is college debt for you and your friends as you prepare to go on to the next stage in your life?

College debt isn’t much of an issue for me. I know I will be paying off loans for at least 10 years, but I try not to stress about it. Although after I graduate, my parents won’t be helping me with any financial aid. I am confident that I will find a great job where I will be able to make those payments in order to be college debt-free one day.

 


 

Goar Kempf
Mount Mercy University
Age: 26
Majors: International Management & Finance
Hometown: Heilbronn, Germany

 

What field or career are you hoping to get into? Do you see opportunities for that in this area?

For me it was really important that I would work for an international company – preferably, a company that has offices in Germany. I was really fortunate that I found World Class Industries in Hiawatha, which has offices in Germany. I can work for them when I go back home after I am done with my training.

What thoughts do you have on the community, coming from Germany?

I really like the Cedar Rapids community, and I am happy that I can stay here after graduation for seven more months before I have to relocate. After going to Mount Mercy, it has become a second home for me and I feel really comfortable.

What are your expectations for the workplace as you enter the job market? Are there any ‘dealbreakers’ out there?

For me, it is important that the company has a plan for me. The great thing about World Class Industries is that I can get the training here and learn everything that is going on in the head­quarters, and bring all of my experience back to Germany. In addition to that, I want to add value to the company. I believe because of my German language skills and the ability to work for one year in the U.S., I am able to add a lot of value to WCI.

Also, Christmastime is family time for me. I would not have accepted the offer from WCI if I couldn’t have gone home.

What are the most important social or political issues for you and/or members of your graduating class?

To be honest, I think for most of us the biggest concern is finding a company and job that we are passionate about. The biggest social concern is that more women are getting higher positions in companies, but still do not make the same amount as men. Going forward I really hope that my generation can close that gap and that gender is not a social issue for the next generations.

 


 

Mousa Abuissa
University of Iowa
Age: 27
Major: Pharmacy; graduated with bachelor’s in music in 2013
Hometown: Damascus, Syria

 

What field or career are you hoping to get into?

I am interested in having a big impact on the pharmacy practice. First, I want to start my career in a community pharmacy to get some relevant clinical and community experience. The next step is to work in the pharmaceutical industry, where I could have a high impact on a large population of patients.

What would keep you in the region after graduation?

Diverse opportunities for a pharmacist – especially in the pharmaceutical industry.

What are your expectations for the workplace as you enter the job market? Are there any ‘dealbreakers’ out there?

I would expect employers to show compassion to employees and to provide opportunities for the person to develop. Having “a ceiling” of development is dealbreaker – I would like to continually grow and improve.

What would you say are the most important social or political issues for you and/or members of your graduating class?

With the constantly changing health insurance regulations and its effect on the health care and well-being of our patients, pharmacists are the first contact point for patients for inquiries. The current plans of Affordable Care Act (ACA) repeal could substantially impact some phar­macies that are dependent on the ACA for payment.

How big of an issue is college debt for you and your friends as you prepare for the next stage in life?

I think it is certainly a factor in our career decisions. I would be more likely to take risks and explore nontraditional positions if I didn’t have the debt. However, I do value experience and career development, so debt is only one factor among others.