Frequently Asked Questions
About the DCN
Q: Are there jobs in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area?
Q: Does working with the DCN mean I’m guaranteed employment?
Q: Will I be given preferential treatment for University of Iowa positions?
Q: How long will it take to get hired?
Q: Can you help me find employment outside of The University of Iowa?
Q: Have you dealt with my profession before?
Q: My job experience is quite unique. What if I can't find something in my line of work?
Q: At some point in the future, can I utilitze DCN services again?
Q: Why does The University of Iowa support this kind of program?
Q: What is the typical process for getting hired in a P&S or faculty position at the University?
Q: What are the various classifications of positions at the University?
Q: Where does the Dual Career Network fit into the University’s organizational structure?
Q: May I list my DCN coach as a reference?
Q: Does the DCN assist newcomers in getting acquianted with people?
Q: How do I find out about events taking place in the community?
Q: Are there jobs in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area?
A: The area between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids is commonly referred to as the “Corridor” and this area continues to grow and expand. There are diverse industries in the Corridor from telecommunications and heavy manufacturing to insurance and finance organizations. In addition to The University of Iowa, there are five colleges within reasonable driving distance from Iowa City for those looking for academic positions. Keep in mind, however, that this is not a major metropolitan area and searching for employment may require patience and persistence.
Q: Does working with the DCN mean I’m guaranteed employment?
A: The DCN cannot guarantee you employment because the DCN does not create job openings. Whether or not you are able to secure employment will depend entirely on how much time, effort and communication you are willing to put into your search. The DCN is one resource you may use. Those DCN clients who are most successful are those who maintain frequent communication with their DCN coach.
Q: Will I be given preferential treatment for University of Iowa positions?
A: The University of Iowa is committed to assisting dual career couples as evidenced by the existence of this program. However, the fact that you are the spouse/partner of a faculty or staff person does not guarantee you a position at the University. Departments across campus seek to hire the best, most qualified candidate for their open position, which may or may not be you.
Q: How long will it take to get hired?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question due to individual variables such as level of motivation, workforce changes, economic vitality and the demand for your particular occupation. The DCN program statistics, however, indicate that those who work closely with their DCN coach are the ones who have a shorter job search period.
Q: Can you help me find employment outside of The University of Iowa?
A: The DCN maintains an extensive network of approximately 500+ business contacts throughout the Corridor area. You will be strongly encouraged to explore employment possibilities throughout the Corridor. If you are not willing to commute, your opportunities will be limited.
Q: Have you dealt with my profession before?
A: It would be hard to imagine a career we haven’t dealt with! However, it is your responsibility to educate your DCN coach as to the intricacies of your past experience and your skills base.
Q: My job experience is quite unique. What if I can’t find something in my line of work?
A: It is conceivable that you will not be able to find your “dream” job in this market. This requires you to be flexible and open to other possibilities. The DCN strongly recommends that you have a “Plan B” and possibly a “Plan C” in mind. The DCN coaches are trained as career coaches and are prepared to help you explore other alternatives, should you choose.
Q: At some point in the future, can I utilize DCN services again?
A: The DCN will not be able to assist you more than once. Once you are employed, you will gain valuable networking contacts in your career area and this should help you find leads for future jobs.
Q: Why does The University of Iowa support this kind of program?
A: Former University of Iowa Executive Vice President and Provost Michael J. Hogan responds, “The single most important thing we can do to move the University forward is to recruit and retain a diverse community of top-notch faculty and staff. We’re also committed to our partnership with the local business community, which seeks to attract a richly diverse and talented workforce. The Dual Career Network advances our efforts on both counts—it helps us bring the best and brightest to our campus, and to employers throughout the area. And it’s worked so well, the program is now a model for other institutions throughout the country.”
Q: What is the typical process for getting hired in a P&S or faculty position at the University?
A: All UI positions have a search committee, which meets to select a limited number of applicants to interview. If you are one of the candidates meeting the position criteria, someone will call you. They may do a phone screen first, or they may set up a time for you to meet for a face-to-face interview. There may be call-backs for a second interview. After all candidates are interviewed, the search committee selects their preferred candidate and sends their recommended candidate to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (EOD). EOD looks over the pool of candidates and responds to the department. Once that is completed, a job offer is extended to the candidate who is most appropriate for the job.
Q: What are the various classifications of positions at the University?
A: There are Faculty, Professional and Scientific (P&S) and Merit positions. Merit positions are part of the collective bargaining unit. To apply for a merit position, you will need to attend an orientation at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday at the University Services Building (corner of Prentiss and Capitol Streets). Afterwards, you may meet one-on-one with an employment counselor to determine your skills for various openings. If you are interested in a P&S position, you must apply on-line for each job separately. For faculty positions, you will need to send your materials to the person listed as the contact. For all University of Iowa positions, you will need to send in your own material; the DCN cannot do that for you.
Q: Where does the Dual Career Network fit into the University’s organizational structure?
A: The DCN is located within the Office of the Provost and reports directly to the Associate Provost for Faculty.
Q: May I list my DCN coach as a reference?
A: The DCN does not provide references for clients. However, if you apply for a University of Iowa P&S or faculty position, you may request that your DCN coach write a letter of support for your candidacy.
Q: Does the DCN assist newcomers in getting acquainted with people?
A: Periodically the DCN hosts social events for all clients and their spouse or partner. You will receive an invitation by email about the dates and times.
Q: How do I find out about events taking place in the community?
A: An excellent resource for finding out all the facts about the Corridor can be found within the "Corridor Resources" section of this website.
