AccessDubuqueJobs.com Spring Career Fair Draws Nearly 300 Job Seekers to Grand River Center

Event Recap

As part of the YOU can be great here Community of Colleges series, the AccessDubuqueJobs.com Spring Career Fair delivered on its promise to connect top talent with regional employers. Hosted by Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, the event was held at the Grand River Center and welcomed 298 job seekers, including 85 college students from regional higher education institutions.

More than 65 employer and resource booths filled the ballroom, representing a broad spectrum of industries—from healthcare and manufacturing to education, logistics, and professional services. The fair served as a platform for job seekers at all stages of their career journeys, offering opportunities ranging from internships to full-time professional roles. Employers participated in the event at no extra cost as one of the many benefits of being a Workforce Solutions Investor. 

Higher ed institutions from the region played an active role in engaging their students, assisting with check-in, and hosting a dedicated Orientation Room. Career services staff supported students as they identified employers of interest, refined their approach, and took advantage of helpful resources. Notably, 38 college students also received complimentary professional head shots, a service provided by the staff of Greater Dubuque Development, to boost their online presence and support their job search efforts.

Select student head shots taken at AccessDubuqueJobs.com Spring Career Fair from left to right: Christopher Brodrick, Clarke University, Business Administration & Philosophy, Anticipated to graduate in December 2025; Prashant Bhattarai, Loras College, Data Science & Finance, Anticipated to graduate in May 2027; Lauren Boeckman, Loras College, Marketing & Spanish, Anticipated to graduate in May 2026; Phil Schader, University of Dubuque, Master's in Management - Organizational Leadership, Anticipated to graduate in June 2025; Daira Chavez Ayala, Loras College, Business Administration & Marketing with a minor in Public Relations, Anticipated to graduate in December 2025.

Employer feedback was overwhelmingly positive. From the evaluations received, recurring themes included:

  • Strong Turnout: Employers were pleased with the number and variety of candidates, including both early-career and experienced professionals.
  • Engaged Attendees: Many commented on the interest and enthusiasm of job seekers.
  • Visibility & Exposure: Organizations valued the opportunity to increase awareness of their brand and offerings.
  • Venue & Layout: The Grand River Center’s spacious and accessible layout was praised for its ease of navigation and comfort.

“This event isn’t just about helping students find jobs,” said Mandi Dolson, Director of Workforce Recruitment & Retention at Greater Dubuque Development. “It’s also about showing them the variety and vitality of the career opportunities available right here in the Greater Dubuque region.”

The event also featured community partners like Northeast Iowa Community College and IowaWORKS, who offered valuable training, upskilling, and employment support resources.

To learn more about this event or how to become a Workforce Solutions Investor, contact Mandi Dolson, Director of Workforce Recruitment & Retention, at mandid@greaterdubuque.org or 563-557-9049.

AccessDubuqueJobs.com is made possible through a partnership between TH Media and Greater Dubuque Development Corporation.