Des Moines is the 92nd largest metropolitan city in the United States with a population of 534,230. It is also a major insurance, publishing, and financial center with many internship and entry level positions for new graduates or students.

Des Moines was founded in May 1843 by a captain named James Allen built a fort near Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers connected. New settlers began to populate the city between 1848 and the 1900s. The population hit a peak at 62,139 making it the largest city in Iowa. Soon, the city created a commission government to handle the financial issues of Des Moines. Trades began to develop for many years as the population continued to grow. More settlers and merchants contributed to the successful track record of revenue gains for the next decades.

By the 1970s, the city built several new skyscrapers in its business district: Equitable Building (1924), Financial Center (1972), Ruan Center (1974), Marriott Hotel (1981), Hub Tower (1985), and the Principal Financial Group tower (1990). The business district continues to add more towers within city making it a destination for financial services and tourism. Recent college graduates and students interested in finance or banking may find the Principal Financial Group the best place to begin in Des Moines. Its headquarters offers numbers internships and entry level positions for new careerist to find a niche early.

If the opportunities available at Principal Financial Group do not fit students' needs, other large corporations and firms offer career opportunities as well. Some other Fortune 500 companies include Citigroups' Citi credit card division, Communications Data Services, Mercy Medical Center, and Wells Fargo. The population growth from recent graduates and students has helped the city flourish during the last few years. Students with an interest in insurance can work for Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa or EMC Insurance Group.

Once the professionals are done with work, they are in for some real fun. The Des Moines Buccaneers can add excitement to a long work week. Students with families can enjoy the Iowa Energy Basketball games during the fall season or the Iowa Cubs Baseball during the warm weather of the summer.

Drake University - most popular degrees are Marketing Management, Finance/Banking, Business/Managerial Economics, Social Sciences (General), Biology, Education, Management Science, Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations, and Mass Communications/Media Studies.

Iowa State University - with over 20,000 students in attendance, ISU's most popular degrees are International Business, Hospitality Administration/Management, Business Statistics, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Software Engineering.

University of Northern Iowa - with over 10,000 students in attendance, UNI's most popular degrees are in Actuarial Science, Construction Management, Business Management, Elementary Education, Business Teacher Education, Applied Economics, Econometrics, and Social Sciences (General).

William Penn University - most popular degrees are Accounting, Business Management/Administration, an array of Education degrees, Sports Administration, Fitness Administration, and Health Fitness, Physical Fitness.

Graceland University - most popular degrees are in Business Management/Administration, International Business, Elementary Education, Computer Engineering (General), Foods/Nutrition Studies, Computer Sciences, and Chemistry (General).

Recent college graduates and students interested in pursuing a higher education can attend one of the many universities and colleges in Des Moines, Iowa:

Allen College
Central College
Ellsworth Community College
Maharishi University of Management
Grand View College
Grinnell College
Hamilton College
Hamilton College: Cedar Falls
Hawkeye Community College
Indian Hills Community College
Iowa Central Community College
Marshalltown Community College
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Simpson College
Southwestern Community College
Vatterott College
Vennard College
Wartburg College

Recent college graduates and students interested in internships and entry level positions can find great opportunities with one of these major corporations:

Principal Financial Group - a leading financial service provider with the leading 401k plans in the United States is headquartered in Des Moines. Recent college graduates and students interested in internships and entry level employment opportunities can apply for one in insurance, finance, marketing, sales, and human resources will find Principal to be the best place to begin a career.

Meredith Corporation - leading publishing and marketing company offers internships and entry level positions in sales, human resources, graphic design, copywriting, accounting and finance. Meredith Corporation offers recent college graduates and students an opportunity to learn the industry through outstanding mentorship programs.

United Parcel Service (UPS) - the largest package delivering service in the world offers internships and entry level positions in distribution, marketing, sales, information technologies, communications, logistics, and other transportation-related services.

Electronic Dab Systems - one of the first global business and technology services companies in the world. It is a leader in the outsourcing industry as it defined the capabilities of conducting business worldwide. Recent college graduates and students interested in computer science, information technologies, customer service, marketing, and distribution.

Qwest Communications International, Inc. - provides voice, data services, and digital television services to many areas in the United States. Recent college graduates and students interested in internships and entry level employment can apply for one of the many human resources, computer networking, software engineering, and marketing positions available.

What does Des Moines have to offer? Des Moines has opportunities to pursue your dream careers, a huge financial district with insurance companies and banking headquarters. Following an ever-changing government and liberal ideal in revitalization could be the motivation to develop a strong background in the government. Students and recent graduates have a lot to look forward to once they see how great Des Moines really can be for their lives.

*Source: http://www.dmgov.org/
*Statistics courtesy of Census 2000 Population Statistics (estimates) - US Census.