Announcing the 2026 Talent Dubuque: An Intern Engagement Program

Greater Dubuque Development is excited to bring back Talent Dubuque: An Intern Engagement Program, designed to connect your summer interns with the community and one another. This free program provides unique networking and community experiences that help the next generation of talent build connections that increase the likelihood they choose to stay and build their careers in the Greater Dubuque region.

Since 2019, over 650 interns have participated in Talent Dubuque, gaining valuable professional connections, leadership skills, and firsthand experience of all the Greater Dubuque region has to offer. The 2026 program will once again offer experiences to aimed at maximizing retention of interns and area college students by demonstrating first-hand how YOU can be great here. Participation is free and open to to interns of Workforce Solutions Investors or any student currently enrolled in a regional institution of higher learning.

Registration is now open; download and complete our registration spreadsheet to email to Mandi Dolson, Director of Workforce Recruitment & Retention. Employers are responsible for enrolling their interns in the Talent Dubuque program; interns must RSVP for individual events as dates approach. Haven't filled your summer internships yet? Don't worry. Contact Mandi via email to hold spots for your company.

2026 Talent Dubuque Events

Welcome Lunch
Thursday, June 11 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Grand River Center | 500 Bell St, Dubuque, IA
The Welcome Lunch will feature a professional development session with Lisa Schaefer, MSE of Shine with Schaefer, LLC. Lisa’s interactive presentation, “Intern Success Playbook: Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence & Ownership,” will equip interns with practical skills to stand out, build trust, and make a meaningful impact in their roles.

Sunset Social at Swiss Valley
Wednesday, June 17 | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Swiss Valley Park | 13069 Swiss Valley Rd., Peosta, IA
Trade the office for the outdoors at Swiss Valley Park. Enjoy a laid-back evening with BBQ, yard games, disc golf, and sand volleyball at the Green Ash Pavilion. Stick around as the sun goes down for a campfire hangout—perfect for making connections, swapping stories, and soaking up a little summer.

Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals (YP) Luncheons
Wednesday, July 15 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 18 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Q Casino + Resort, Reflections | 1855 Greyhound Park Rd., Dubuque, IA
Grow your network and hear from voices shaping the region! Attend two YP Luncheons through our partnership with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce. July’s luncheon features Amanda Goodman, an Emmy Award-winning journalist turned child advocate. In August, City of Dubuque Mayor, Brad Cavanagh, will take the stage.

Choose-Your-Saturday Dubuque Farmer’s Market
Saturdays through October | 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Downtown Dubuque | 1100-1300 Blocks of Iowa St.
Participants receive a $15 voucher redeemable during this summer’s Dubuque Farmers’ Market by Dubuque Main Street. Vouchers should be taken to the Market Information Booth at the corner of 12th Street and Iowa Street to exchange for tokens valid for use at any vendor booth during the 2026 Summer Dubuque Farmers’ Market; token use excludes the purchase of alcohol.

Throughout the summer, each participating intern will also receive weekly emails delivered to their inboxes highlighting community events that they can participate in on their own, offering even more opportunities to explore the Greater Dubuque region.

To learn more about Talent Dubuque, contact Mandi Dolson, Director of Workforce Recruitment & Retention at mandid@greaterdubuque.org or 563-557-9049.