Learning Beyond the Classroom

Our students learn the tools of the trade in classes taught by subject matter experts. But why stop there? Get involved on campus and put what you learn to practice while growing personally and professionally.

This is your story—make the most of it

Gain valuable professional experience through internships, field placements, and leadership programs. Blaze your trail in a student organization. Join fellow Mustangs in one of many impactful service and volunteer opportunities.

At Mount Mercy, you can do it all. Take advantage of the opportunities a small campus can offer, lead meaningful change, and know you’re connected to something big.

Education isn’t just about adding to your qualifications—it’s about using those skills to make the world a better place.

Making a splash

8,400+

Active, connected alumni

Living and working in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor

$1.4M

Financial impact

Of volunteerism and service learning in 2022-2023

ALL

Majors

Provide opportunities to gain professional experience—like a practicum or internship

Internships

With thousands of proud alums living and working in the Corridor, you’re linked to a vast network of resources and valuable professional connections. We provide great ways to get hands-on learning while building relationships—often leading to bigger opportunities.

These practical experiences connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities—and offer students and employers a chance to collaborate.

Paying it forward

We prepare our students to take on the world—but you can’t do it alone. Our students find success by networking with alums, completing internships, getting involved on campus, and using what they learn in the classroom to better their community.

Katelyn Kral '22

Merchandise Manager | Iowa Cubs

During her time at Mount Mercy University, Katelyn Kral ’22 learned about the importance of networking. She put those skills to use to get one step closer to her dream career in the sports industry.

Mike Barnhart '97

Social Work

Mike Barnhart ’97 never pictured himself as a college graduate. Despite this, Mike graduated from Mount Mercy University, has thrived during a long career with non-profit agencies, and serves as the CEO of Horizons A Family Service Alliance.

Lauren Imhoff '22

Health Care Administration, Public Health, Child & Adolescent Studies

Being a McAuley Scholar allowed Lauren to attend the school of her dreams, where she created Gen 1—a club to support first-generation college students.

Darius Nupolu '20 MSL

Master of Strategic Leadership

Darius Nupolu ’20 MSL uses his passion, agricultural experience, and land provided by Feed Iowa First to grow African crops, making them more accessible to the Cedar Rapids community.

Tammy Koolbeck '86

Executive Director at Stephens Auditorium/VenuWorks

Tammy Koolbeck found her dream career thanks to a perfect internship placement and an instructor who knew Tammy better than herself.

Jillian Nafziger '22

Marketing

With the professional experience she gained working with Enactus, Jillian Nafziger was able to secure an internship at UFG Insurance.

Mentorship and development

The Mercy Leadership Program builds off of the Mercy Leadership minor, providing opportunities to learn from leaders in different professions, meaningful community service, and reflection opportunities to make the most of your leadership potential.

We also provide opportunities to network with—and learn from—industry professionals. Join the Student & Alumni Mentorship Program to connect with one of our many successful alums.

Clubs & Activities

There are plenty of ways to get involved at Mount Mercy! Join a club, music ensemble, athletic team, or student publication to connect with your classmates and gain valuable leadership experience.

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Study and research opportunities

Honors Program

Explore ideas beyond traditional academic boundaries with honors classes and seminars.

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Study Abroad

Spend time abroad through one of our exchange partnerships.

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Student Research

Gain hands-on research and deep academic experience with our collaborative faculty.

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Service and volunteerism

Through service learning and volunteer opportunities, you’ll be challenged to take what you learn in the classroom and apply the Critical Concerns—earth, immigration, nonviolence, anti-racism, and women—in a wide array of volunteer projects.

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