Career Discovery Events

The 2021-2022 Calendar of Events will include the following opportunities:

Career Exploration Days

Hosted at a DMACC location, these events allow 9-12th grade students, parents and educators to explore a career pathway by attending hands-on activity sessions and demonstrations. They will learn about DMACC educational programs and connect to future careers and professionals by touring a related business.

Worksite Industry Tours

These events are hosted by a business and open to 11th and 12th graders. Students will meet with professionals to learn about the business and specific careers. These events are for students only and transportation is the student’s responsibility.

Virtual Business Spotlight

Get to know a business within Central Iowa by attending our Business Spotlights. Hear from Human Resource professionals and other company leaders to learn about careers within the company, education required, job outlook, and company culture. A virtual tour or video will be included, if possible.

Virtual Ask a Professional Sessions

Attend one of our Ask a Professional sessions to get to know a professional in a specific career. Hear their story, how they got to where they are today, and the day-to-day of their career. Professionals will include advice for young people interested in the specific career in this Q&A style session.

Business Community: If you are interested in collaborating with us and want to learn more about how to get involved, we always need more business connections! Please email wbl@dmacc.edu

Click on the event title to register and for more information

Educators: please call 515-965-7117 or email wbl@dmacc.edu prior to registering an entire class.

Career Discovery Events - Spring 2022

Registration for these events will open January 10, 2022

Career Exploration Days

Explore Arts, Design, Humanities and Communications Day - February 11th

Date: Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm

Description: Do people describe you as creative or imaginative? Do you enjoy cooking or baking or have an interest in videos, music and design? Is writing and storytelling something you enjoy? Join us for our Explore Arts, Design Humanities & Communications Day. You will have the opportunity to attend interactive program sessions, hear from business professionals, and eat lunch at the DMACC Bistro - our student run restaurant. Programs Included: Culinary Arts, Fashion, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Photography, Theatre, and Video Production.

Location:
DMACC Ankeny

Tentative Agenda:
9:00 AM - Check-in
9:15 AM - Session 1
9:50 AM - Session 2
10:25 AM - Session 3
11:10 AM - Lunch at the DMACC Bistro
12:20 PM - Session 4
12:55 PM - Session 5
1:30 PM - Session 6
2:15 PM - Dismissal

Registration Deadline: Feb. 1, 2022 or until capacity met

Farm Bureau Financial Career Exploration Day - February 18th

Date: Friday, February 18, 2022

Time: 9:30am – 11:45am

Description:
A career in insurance? Yes, please! There are many different types of jobs within the insurance industry. From the actuaries who help price our policies, to the agents who sell the policies, and the underwriters who work alongside the agents to lend their knowledge about risks, to the customer service representatives who answer client questions, and the claims professionals who help at the time of a loss; there are many rewarding career opportunities in insurance. Some will be in the office at a desk while others will be in the field visiting the clients. Whatever type of skill set you have, there is sure to be a fit within the insurance industry. This event is designed for high school and college students who are interested in learning more about the insurance industry but anyone who wants to learn more, about the insurance industry is welcome to attend.

Location: 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266

Agenda:

Welcome and Introduction
Insurance Speakers (Ag Underwriter, Commercial Claims, Marketing Underwriter, Life Actuarial Associate)
Tour
Young Professionals Panel
Next Steps and Closing Remarks

Explore Engineering Day at John Deere - February 22nd

Date: February 22, 2022

Time: 8:30am - 1:30pm

Description: Come explore the engineering career pathway at one of the most well-known companies in the Agriculture Equipment industry. The day will include a company tour, hands-on engineering-related activities led by John Deere engineers, DMACC & ISU information, a panel and lunch. A great event for students looking to learn more about the engineering field.

Location:
John Deere Des Moines Works
825 SW Irvindale Drive
Ankeny, IA 50023

Tentative Agenda:
8:30am Check-in and Welcome
9:00am Tour
10:45am DMACC/ISU info
11:15am Engineering Activity
12:15pm Lunch and panel with John Deere Engineers
1:30pm Dismissed

Registration Deadline: Feb. 8, 2022 or until capacity met

Explore Cloud Technology & IT Day – Presented by Microsoft & DMACC West - March 3rd

Date: Thursday, March 3, 2022

Time: 9:30am – 1:15pm

Description: The world is in the midst of the “fourth industrial revolution,” as organizations and individuals around the globe use cloud computing to get the latest and greatest technology, power their businesses and daily lives, and accomplish things never thought possible. Microsoft’s datacenters help store and transfer this data every millisecond. Have you ever wondered how we connect the cloud? Join us for this event to learn about the technology that does this! Attend hands-on workshops and learn how to make a CAT5 cable and explore the internal components of a servers. Learn how data travels from POINT A to POINT B and the educational programs DMACC has to help prepare students careers in this industry. Lunch is included.

Location:
DMACC West Campus

5959 Grand Ave.

West Des Moines, IA 50266

Registration Deadline: Feb. 21, 2022 or until capacity met

NAWIC Girls In Construction Day (National Association of Girls in Construction) - March 8th

Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Time: 8:30am – 2:15pm

Description: Join the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Greater Des Moines Chapter for a day exploring career opportunities for girls in construction. Women construction professionals will discuss their professions and career paths that lead them to the positions they hold today. You will also have the opportunity to tour a local construction site to see the building process firsthand. The day will wrap up with a tour of the DMACC labs and program spaces. DMACC Programs involved in the day are: Building Trades, Architectural Technologies, HVAC, and Civil Engineering Technologies Programs. Closed-toe shoes with hard soles and long pants are required. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided for all participants, including: hard hats, safety vests, safety glasses, and ear protection. Lunch will also be provided.

Location:
DMACC Ankeny, FFA Enrichment Center, Rooms 208/209

1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023

Tentative Agenda: TBD

Registration Deadline: Feb. 28, 2022 or until capacity met

Explore Health Sciences and Wellness Day - March 24th

Date: Thursday, March 24, 2022

Description: Do you enjoy practical, hands on work that involves helping people or animals? Are you passionate about wellness and health and take pride in being responsible and dependable? 9th – 12th grade students, parents and educators are invited to join us to learn more about the many high demand careers in the Health Sciences and Wellness Pathway. Come learn about the many programs and careers that you can pursue that involve helping others heal or stay physically healthy. Students will have the opportunity to network with many healthcare professionals during the “Day in the Life of a Healthcare Professional Session,” and attend activity sessions related to each program led by our DMACC instructors. Programs Included: Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Fire Science, Fitness/Sports Management, Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, Paramedic/EMT, Respiratory Therapy, and Surgical Technology.

Location:
DMACC Ankeny Campus
Building 5, Student Center
2006 S Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50023

Tentative Agenda:
9:00am     Check-in
9:15am-12:00pm     Hands-on activity sessions with DMACC instructors
12:00pm     Lunch
12:30-1:45pm     A Day in the Life of a Healthcare Professional
1:45pm     Dismissal

Registration Deadline: March 10, 2022 or until capacity met

Career Exploration Day at Perry VanKirk - March 25th

Date: Friday, March 25, 2022

Time: TBD

Description: TBD

Location: DMACC Perry VanKirk Center

Registration Link: Coming Soon!

Explore Auto & Diesel Mechanics Day - April 1st

Date: Friday, April 1, 2022

Description: This event is for 9-12th grade students interested in exploring future educational and career options in the following areas: Auto Collision Technology, Auto Mechanics Technology, Diesel Technology and our Manufacturer Based Internship Programs, which allow students to have a paid work experience while earning their 2-year degree. These programs include GM ASEP, Ford ASSET, Honda PACT, MOPAR CAP, and Diesel CAT. Students will have the opportunity to attend activity sessions related to each program and get a first-hand look at careers in these areas by touring a local business. *Participants are REQUIRED to wear closed-toed shoes and pants

Location:
DMACC Ankeny Campus
Building 13 – Auto Programs
2006 S. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50023

Tentative Agenda
9:00am     Check-in
9:15am – 11:00am     Business Tour
11:20am     Lunch at DMACC
12:00pm to 2:15pm     Hands-on activity sessions with DMACC instructors
2:15pm     Dismissal

Registration Deadline: March 23, 2022 or until capacity met

Explore Social Behavioral Sciences & Human Services Day - April 5th

Date: Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Time: TBD

Description: Are you interested in becoming a counselor or social worker? Do you enjoy thinking about communities, society, ethics or politics? Do you enjoy working with people one-on-one? Join us for Social Behavioral Sciences & Human Services Day where we’ll partner with United Way of Central Iowa to take you through a simulation on how to navigate the many resources and programs a typical low-income family would navigate month-to-month. Following the simulation hear from community agencies on their programming, employment opportunities and education requirements. In addition, you’ll tour DMACC’s Urban Campus, and learn more about an education in: Human Services, Psychology and Sociology.

Location:

DMACC Urban Campus

Building 7 - Student Services

1100 7th St.

Des Moines, IA 50314

Registration Deadline: March 23, 2022 or until capacity met

Build My Future Presented by Iowa Skilled Trades - April 13th

Date: Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Time: 7:00am – 3:00pm

Description: The Build My Future event, which showcases high-skill, high-wage, in-demand careers in Iowa’s skilled trades, allows students to explore and participate in hands-on activities in carpentry, electricity, welding, roofing, masonry, plumbing, advanced manufacturing, computer-aided design, architecture modeling, heavy equipment, and more. This immersive event puts students in the middle of the action so they can see the different career paths available in Iowa with varying levels of training and education required. This year new career pathways will be added including Healthcare, IT and Agriculture!

Location: Iowa State Fairgrounds Varied Industries Building

Explore Education Day - April 14th

Date: Thursday, April 14, 2022

Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Description: Are you interested in a career in education? Begin your journey with DMACC’s Pre-Education Program. During this event, students will hear from educators at the state and local levels, interact with DMACC instructors and staff to learn about DMACC’s Pre-Education program and the DMACC experience.

Location:

DMACC Ankeny Campus

Building 5, Student Center

2006 S Ankeny Blvd.

Ankeny, IA 50023

Tentative Agenda:

8:30am Check-in

9:00am – 11:30am Breakout Sessions

11:30am Lunch

12:00pm DMACC Program Overview

12:20pm Education Activity

1:00pm Dismissal (optional campus tour)

Registration Deadline: April 1, 2022 or until capacity met

Explore Criminal Justice Day - April 18th

Date: Monday, April 18, 2022

Time:

Description: TBD

Location: DMACC Ankeny Campus

Registration Deadline: April 4, 2022 or until capacity met

Worksite Industry Tours

Worksite Industry Tour at Todd & Sargent - March 1st

Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Description: Would you like a closer look at a career in drafting, engineering or designing? Join us at Todd & Sargent for an up-close glimpse at these careers and more. During this visit, you’ll follow a project from each phase in-house, to creation with a visit to the job site.

Location:
Todd & Sargent
2905 SE 5th St.
Ames, Iowa

Registration Deadline: Feb. 21, 2022 or until capacity met

Worksite Industry Tour at Hy-Vee IT - April 8th

Date: Friday, April 8, 2022

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Description:
Invent the future of grocery. Technology is changing how people eat and how they shop. Hy-Vee is more than just a grocery store—it’s a grocery tech company. From how our customers purchase groceries to how families plan their meals, our mission drives us to create cutting-edge technology careers that help make all of our lives easier, happier and healthier.

Location: 3801 S James St., Suite 400, Grimes, IA 50111

Registration Deadline: March 31, 2022 or until capacity met

Worksite Industry Tour at Danfoss - April 21st

Date: Thursday, April 21, 2022

Time: 9:00am – 11:00am

Description: This isn't your grandfathers manufacturing! Come to Danfoss, one of the largest employers in the Ames area and learn more about how we are Engineering Tomorrow! Hear from a panel of experienced professionals in various departments and a tour our production shopfloor, as well as, R&D areas. Join us to see opportunities in Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Finance, Sales & Marketing, Production Leadership, Maintenance, Technician roles, the many internships we offer each year and much more!

Location:
Danfoss Power Solutions Company
2800 E. 13th St.
Ames, Iowa

Registration Deadline: April 11, 2022 or until capacity met

Worksite Industry Tour at Polk County Courthouse - April 26th

Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Description: Visit the Polk County Courthouse and observe a trial in session. Students will also hear from professionals in a variety of legal fields including: District Court Judge, Judicial Specialists – Court Room Support, Court Specialists – Case Coordinators, Law Clerks and the Supervisor and Clerk from the Polk County Clerk’s Office. This is a great day for any students interested in Court Reporting, Paralegal, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement or Pre-law/Law School.

Location:
Polk County Courthouse
500 Mulberry St Des Moines, IA 50309

Registration Deadline: April 12, 2022 or until capacity met

Virtual Events

Virtual Career Panel on Information Technology - January 25th

This webinar is sponsored by CompTIA and DeafTEC, an NSF Resource Center housed at Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf

Date: January 25, 2022

Time: 2:00pm

Description: Job prospects are great for those desiring a career in IT. The need for tech talent is increasing not only in tech companies, but in every company. Better yet, IT job roles are “inclusive" as companies aim to build cultures focused on competency and ability---for everyone. Still unsure if an IT career is for you?

Join us for an all-Deaf panel as they share more about “a day in the life” of an Information Technology expert. Explore varying perspectives on why careers in IT are “inclusive” and learn what it takes to be successful in the field. What competencies, abilities, certifications, and experiences matter? Discover various pathways taken by our Information Technology experts that led them to where they are today.

Your key takeaways include:

Understanding why Information Technology careers are for everyone
Learning how Information Technology experts landed their first jobs
Knowing why continuous learning, professional development and networking is important
Exploring the challenges and opportunities for Information Technology careers
Being inspired by our all-Deaf panel as they share their unique stories of success

Note:
*This event is designed as a broadcast for your classroom, with one registration per class. Or, if students are over 18, they may register individually to attend this event.

*Sign language interpreters will join us for the event ensuring access for all attendees.

Moderator:
Harry Wood, STEM Trainer, NTID Regional STEM Center at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind

Panelists:
Michele Halleran, Application Developer Senior, PNC
Johanna Lucht, Software Developer, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center
Scott Van Nice, Director of Cybersecurity, Procter & Gamble
Mary Rose Weber, Technology Leadership Program Engineer, Target

Virtual Ask a Professional: Build University - February 15th

Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Description: Build University is brought to you by the DMACC Work-Based Learning team. These virtual discussions, and on-site work visits help give insight into specific skilled trade positions.

Career Topic: TBD

Location: Zoom

Time: TBD

Registration: Coming soon!

Virtual Farm Bureau Financial Career Exploration Day - February 17th

Date: Thursday, February 17, 2022

Time: 1:30pm – 3:45pm via ZOOM

Description: A career in insurance? Yes, please! There are many different types of jobs within the insurance industry. From the actuaries who help price our policies, to the agents who sell the policies, and the underwriters who work alongside the agents to lend their knowledge about risks, to the customer service representatives who answer client questions, and the claims professionals who help at the time of a loss; there are many rewarding career opportunities in insurance. Some will be in the office at a desk while others will be in the field visiting the clients. Whatever type of skill set you have, there is sure to be a fit within the insurance industry. This Virtual Event is designed for high school and college students who are interested in learning more about the insurance industry but anyone who wants to learn more, about the insurance industry is welcome to attend.

Agenda:

Welcome and Introduction
Insurance Speakers (Ag Underwriter, Commercial Claims, Marketing Underwriter, Life Actuarial Associate)
Virtual Tour
Young Professionals Panel
Next Steps and Closing Remarks

Virtual Ask a Professional- Health Information Solution Coordinator (HIT) - February 25th

Date: Friday, February 25, 2022

Description: Interested in Health Information Technology? Join us live for this Ask a Profession session and get to know, Health Information Solution Coordinator, Kelly Smith! Kelly is a DMACC Health Information Technology (HIT) graduate, and currently works for Telligen. Kelly will share her education, background and the rewards and challenges of her profession in HIT. This session will include advice for people exploring this career pathway in a Q&A style session.

Location: Zoom

Time: 1:00pm – 1:30pm

Virtual Ask a Professional: Build University - March 10th

Date: Thursday, March 10, 2022

Description: Build University is brought to you by the DMACC Work-Based Learning team. These virtual discussions, and on-site work visits help give insight into specific skilled trade positions.

Career Topic: TBD

Location: Zoom

Time: TBD

Registration: Coming Soon!

Virtual Business Spotlight: Daimler Trucks North America (Truck Manufacturer) - March 22nd

Date: Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Description: Join us live as we learn more about Daimler Trucks, North America! We will hear from Parts Distribution Site Manager, Todd Pierce as he discusses the numerous career opportunities in the manufacturing pathway. You and your guests will be able to ask questions and enjoy this live presentation through Zoom!

Location: Zoom

Time: 10:00am – 10:30am

Virtual Ask a Professional: Funeral Director (live on location) - March 29th

Date: Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Description: Join us to meet Funeral Director, Tiffany Taylor! Tiffany serves as a Funeral Director for Dignity Memorial. Tiffany will share her education, background and the rewards and challenges of her profession as a Funeral Director. This virtual session will include advice for young people exploring this career pathway in a Q&A style session.

Location: Zoom

Time: 10:00am – 10:30am

Virtual Ask a Professional: Physical Therapist (live on location) - March 31st

Date: Thursday, March 31, 2022

Description: Interested in becoming a Physical Therapist? Join us live on location for this “Ask a Professional” session and get to know Physical Therapist, Abby Rezansoff! Abby serves as a Physical Therapist for UnityPoint Health. Abby will share her education, background and the rewards and challenges of her profession as a Physical Therapist. This session will include advice for young people exploring this career pathway in a Q&A style session.

Location: Zoom

Time: 1:00pm – 1:30pm

Virtual Ask a Professional: Artist (live on location) - April 7th

Date: Thursday, April 7, 2022

Description: Interested in a career as an Artist? Join us and get to know award-winning Artist, Jill Wells! We will film live at one of her well-known mural locations in Des Moines! Jill will share her education, background, and the rewards and challenges of her profession as an Artist, Advocate and Mentor. This session will also include advice for young people exploring this career pathway.

Location: Zoom

Time: 1:00pm – 1:30pm

Virtual Ask a Professional: Scientist - April 12th

Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Description: Interested in a career in Agriscience? Join us as we get to know Plant Breeding and Genetics Scientist, Magan Lewis, Ph.D.! Dr. Lewis serves as the Global Technology Adoption Lead for Corteva Agriscience. Magan will also share her education, background, and the rewards and challenges of her profession as a Scientist. This session will also include advice for young people exploring this career pathway.

Location: Zoom

Time: 10:00am – 10:30am

Virtual Ask a Professional: Build University - April 19th

Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Description: Build University is brought to you by the DMACC Work-Based Learning team. These virtual discussions, and on-site work visits help give insight into specific skilled trade positions.

Career Topic: TBD

Location: Zoom

Time: TBD

Registration: Coming Soon!

Virtual Ask a Professional: Build University - May 3rd

Date: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Description: Build University is brought to you by the DMACC Work-Based Learning team. These virtual discussions, and on-site work visits help give insight into specific skilled trade positions.

Career Topic: TBD

Location: Zoom

Time: TBD

Registration: Coming Soon!