Like many organizations at UNI, the Institute for Decision Making (IDM) has a long-standing tradition of employing talented undergraduate and graduate students. While at IDM, these students are engaged in a variety of community and economic development projects across the state. For many, this experience launched a successful career in the field of economic development. Here are just a few of IDM’s many successful former interns who are actively contributing to the Iowa economy:

Natalie Williams Burris, B.A. 1991, J.D. 1994
Attorney/Partner with law firm of Swisher & Cohrt, P.L.C.
“I am a trial attorney, handling primarily tort defense litigation. While interning at IDM I was entrusted with writing reports, enhancing my writing skills, which I use everyday in my profession. I also was given the opportunity to lead community meetings, which allowed me to speak before large groups, listen to others, and build consensus. These are vital skills when I am speaking with juries. Although I didn’t pursue a career in community economic development, I regularly do legal work for Iowa cities and other governmental bodies, and like to think I am helping those communities reach their goals.”


Greg Halverson, CEcD, B.A. 1997, M.A. 2005
Director, Buchanan County Economic Development Commission
“My internship with the Institute of Decision Making was an excellent opportunity to actively network with professionals in the economic development field as well as provided a practical application of my educational pursuits. The combination of guidance, flexibility and trust greatly assisted with what I have accomplished.”

Joe Raso, B.A. 1992, M.P.P. 1995
President and CEO, Iowa City Area Development Group, Inc.
“The hoped for outcome of any educational experience is to be engaged and excited about what you are learning and to apply it in a real-world setting. My internship with IDM not only showed me the application of what I was learning in my master’s program, but enhanced for me the value and importance of good economic development policy for our communities and state. All faculty, staff and alumni of UNI should be proud of the impact IDM has and will continue to have on the communities it serves.”



Jeff Rossate, B.A. 1994, M.A. 2006
Division Administrator, Business Development Division, Iowa Department of Economic Development
“My time with the staff at IDM provided me insight and practical experience into the world of economic development and provided a strong foundation to hit the ground running for my initial career opportunity with Deloitte & Touche in Chicago.” 


Aaron Sauerbrei, B.A. 1999, M.P.P. 2002
Regional Manager, Iowa Workforce Development
“My experience as a graduate assistant at the Institute for Decision Making was invaluable. Not only did I get to work with a staff of great professionals, I also was able to apply what I was learning in the classroom to real world needs. I participated in economic development planning and worked on projects such as industry cluster analysis, which helped me immensely when I started working in the economic development field. I still consider everyone at IDM a friend and rely on them for valuable insight and advice as I move along my career track.”