John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center CIPCO Business Enhancement Scholarships/Internships

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Business and Community Services Bldg., Suite 128
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0130
(319) 273-JPEC (5732) Fax: (319) 273-5733
E-mail: [email protected] www.jpec.org

Creating a Culture for Entrepreneurship at UNI!

CIPCO Business Enhancement Internships

Companies: Click here for a job description questionnaire.

Introduction

The purpose of these internships is to augment the academic programs of entrepreneurial students with experiential learning opportunities. This program provides internships with small businesses, new ventures, economic development corporations, or other worthy programs.

These internships provide a cost-sharing opportunity for the employing company. This is done through the generous support of Central Iowa Power Cooperative. CIPCO provides half of the funds to cover the stipend/scholarship for each internship; the company pays the other half. This financial incentive is especially important for new ventures and rural communities, both of which may have limited financial resources for the engagement of an intern. These internships are limited to Iowa-based companies, with a special emphasis toward companies in the CIPCO service territory.

"CIPCO is an active participant in the economic development of all its service areas. We hope to see this effort expand and other companies offer support in an effort to spur economic development and help keep young entrepreneurs in Iowa after graduation."
�Dennis Murdock, CIPCO Executive Vice President/CEO

The Experience

The companies will be required to provide a substantial learning experience for the intern. The work is to be semi-professional to professional in nature, preferably in the student�s area of expertise. Examples of substantial work experiences might include: development of a business plan, marketing plan, website, etc.; organization of a large event; research and development assistance of a new product; assistance with the company�s accounting, recordkeeping, etc.; assistance with a technical operation for the company; assistance in industrial technology, engineering, chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, etc.; and any other substantial learning experience. Internships should not include excessive supporting tasks such as photocopying, filing, lawn mowing, cleaning, food service, errand-running, etc.

The Benefits

Cost effective staffing option
Students fulfill a role not being covered or pursued by the company
Connection to technical expertise through UNI
Potential to remain connected to the student

Career-building with real world experience
Connection to the company work culture and economic development network
Exposure and connection to future employers
Option for course credit

Most students with intern experience in Iowa remain in Iowa after graduation
Students with internships have more success obtaining professional employment
Internships typically result in better salaries for students as they enter their profession
Many interns return to work for their internship companies.

The Internship Options

There are two options for students seeking internships through the CIPCO program. It is imperative students interested in these internships speak with JPEC staff for the specifics of these options.

Option 1: Fall, spring, or summer semester, full-time students enroll for the CIPCO course (130:186) and receive scholarships for their work. Students must write internship experience papers and submit copies of their projects/work.

Option 2: Summer interns will be hired as employees of businesses and the CIPCO program reimburses the companies for half of the cost of the internships up to $2,500 per intern.

About CIPCO

Central Iowa Power Cooperative is a generation and transmission electric cooperative headquartered in Cedar Rapids. CIPCO and its member systems deliver electrical power to more than 260,000 rural and urban Iowa residents in 58 of Iowa�s 99 counties. CIPCO works with communities and organizations within their member service territory to promote economic development, education, electrical safety, community involvement, and marketing programs. For more information about CIPCO, visit its website at www.cipco.net.

Thanks go to Central Iowa Power Cooperative and CEO Dennis Murdock for their initiative, interest in Iowa and students, and support of this program.

To contact us:

John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
University of Northern Iowa
Business and Community Services, Suite 128
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0130

Phone: 319-273-JPEC (5732)
Fax: 319-273-5733
Email: [email protected]