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.

STEM Festival

Designed to spark student and parent interest in STEM, Family STEM Festivals feature exhibits that provide interactive, hands-on experiences. Festivals are a great opportunity for community partners to engage local youth and adults and showcase their business or organization through related activities. The DMACC STEM Festival will be held late spring 2022 at the FFA Enrichment Center on the Ankeny Campus. More details to come.

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

Upcoming Career Discovery Events - Fall 2021

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 Exploration Days

Explore Engineering Technology Day - October 29th

Date: Friday, Oct. 29, 2021

Description: This event is for students interested in exploring future educational and career options in the following areas: Applied Engineering, Robotics, Electronics & Renewable Energy, Tool & Die, Welding/Advanced Manufacturing, and CAD Technology. 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.

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

Tentative Agenda:
8:45am     Check-in
9:00am-12:00pm     Hands-on activity sessions with DMACC instructors
12:00pm     Lunch at DMACC
12:45pm-2:20pm     Business Tour
2:20pm     Dismissal

Explore Information Technology Day - November 5th

Date: Friday, Nov. 5, 2021

Description:
Are you curious about careers and educational programs in IT, or have a passion for computers, computer languages, systems and security? Join us for Explore Information Technology Day! The event will include a Cyber Security Escape Room Challenge presented by Procircular, IT program information sessions in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics, Information Technology/Network Administration, Computer Information Systems, and Network Technology. We will also hear from IT professionals through a business panel or roundtable discussion. Lunch is included.

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

Tentative Agenda:

9:30am Welcome
9:40 – 11:00am Cybersecurity Escape Room Challenge
11:00 – 12:00pm DMACC IT Program Sessions
12:00pm Lunch
12:30 – 1:40pm Business Panel & Coding Sessions
1:45pm Dismissed

Worksite Industry Tours

Worksite Industry Tour: Polk County Courthouse - October 26th

Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Time: 8:30am-12:00pm

Description: Come visit the Polk County Courthouse and have the opportunity to view a trial in session. Students will also have the opportunity to 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. Limited to 15 students.

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

Registration Closed – event has reached capacity

Virtual Ask a Professional Sessions

Virtual Ask a Professional: Sports Marketing, Iowa Wild - October 19th

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021

Time: 10 – 10:30am

Description: Interested in a career in Sports Marketing? Join us for this "Ask a Professional" session and get to know Allie Brown. Allie is the Senior Director of Marketing and Creative Services for the Iowa Wild! She will share her education, background and the rewards and challenges of her profession in sports marketing. This session will include advice for young people exploring this career pathway in a Q&A style session.

Virtual Ask a Professional: Business Entrepreneur, Real Deals - Ankeny - October 20th

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021

Time: 10 – 10:30am

Description: Interested in owning your own small business? Join us for this "Ask a Professional" session and get to know Lindsey Foss. Lindsey is the local owner of Real Deals (Home Décor and Women’s Fashion and Accessories). She will share her education, background and the rewards and challenges of her profession as a local business entrepreneur. This session will include advice for young people exploring this career pathway in a Q&A style session.

Virtual Ask a Professional: Artistic Director for The Des Moines Playhouse - October 28th

Date: Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021

Time: 10:00am– 10:30am

Description: Join us for this "Ask a Professional" session and get to know theatrical Artistic Director, Katy Merriman! Katy serves as the Artistic Director for The Des Moines Community Playhouse. She will also share her education, background and the rewards and challenges of her profession in theatre. This session will include advice for young people exploring this career pathway in a Q&A style session.

Virtual Ask a Professional: Surgical Technologist - November 3rd

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021

Time: 1:00pm– 1:30pm

Description: Join us for this "Ask a Professional" session and get to know Surgical Technologist, Kendra Fulton! Kendra is a DMACC Surgical Tech graduate and will share her education, background and the rewards and challenges of her profession. This session will include advice for young people exploring this career pathway in a Q&A style session.

Virtual Ask a Professional: Funeral Director - November 4th

Date: Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021

Time: 1:00pm– 1:30pm

Description: Join us for this "Ask a Professional" session and get to know Funeral Director, Laura Lundberg. Laura is a DMACC Mortuary Sciences graduate and is a Funeral Director for Iles Funeral Home in Des Moines. Laura will share her education, background and the rewards and challenges of her profession in funeral services. This session will include advice for young people exploring this career pathway in a Q&A style session.

Virtual Ask a Professional: Digital Forensics Investigator - November 9th

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021

Time: 10 – 10:30am

Description: Interested in Forensics? Join us for this "Ask a Professional" session and get to know Lucas Woodland. Lucas is a Senior Digital Forensics Analyst for Pratum. Pratum is an information security services firm with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa. Lucas will share his education, background and the rewards and challenges of his profession in digital forensics This session will include advice for young people exploring this career pathway in a Q&A style session.

Upcoming Career Discovery Events - Spring 2022

Registration for these events will open in December

Career Exploration Days

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

Date: Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

Description: TBA

Location:
DMACC Ankeny

Tentative Agenda: TBA

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: Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technician, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Health Information Technology, Nursing, Paramedic/EMS, Fitness/Sports Management, 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

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

Workplace Career Exploration Day

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

Registration for the event will close on Friday, February 4, 2022. There are a limited number of seats for the in-person event so register soon to claim a spot. Logistical information will be emailed to participants closer to the event. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Sara Deich, HR Programs Coordinator at sara.deich@fblfinancial.com.

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