How Two Young Professionals Found Community in Greater Des Moines

In a world where young professionals often struggle to find their place, two recent college graduates, Blair Dodson and Katie May, found opportunity and a community in Greater Des Moines (DSM).  

Blair attended Kansas State University and her first introduction to DSM was an internship with McGill Junge Wealth Management in the summer of 2024. “I’d never been here before, and I just fell in love with it. I loved the atmosphere, the environment, and the people,” Blair shared. “So, when I graduated from college and received a full time offer from the firm, I accepted.” 

Originally from San Diego, Katie visited the Midwest and was compelled by the sense of community that filled it and decided to attend Iowa State University. “I loved the campus and how big the school was. Upon graduating, I was thrilled to be hired full time by McGill Junge after my summer internship,” Katie explained. 

The family-like culture of McGill Junge has especially helped Katie and Blair to feel at home. “Our company really cares about us and about the community,” Katie said. Even with just five months of full-time work under their belt, Katie and Blair have participated in projects for Habitat for Humanity, Count the Kicks and Meals for the Heartland creating an appreciation for the community and time for the team to bond.  

Katie and Blair have been surprised by how clean DSM is. “When I first moved here, I saw people picking up cigarette butts from the ground,” Blair said. “They were just random people taking care of the city they care about.”   

Both Blair and Katie have found something they love about DSM. For Blair, a self-proclaimed foodie, she loves exploring the food scene with her favorite finds so far Alba and Clyde’s Fine Diner. Katie looks forward to autumn in DSM. “I just love Des Moines in the fall,” Katie said with a smile. “I didn’t grow up with fall colors, so I just think it’s the most beautiful thing ever.

For young professionals looking for a place to call home, Blair and Katie say DSM passes the vibe check. “It just feels very home away from home and it was easy to find community here,” Katie shared. “I don’t feel homesick all the time. I just enjoy being.”  

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