Career Discovery Events

Get ready for an exciting year! Our DMACC Career Discovery Events are designed to spark your curiosity and connect you with real-world opportunities.

From hands-on worksite industry tours to interactive career exploration days and professional skills workshops, high school students will dive into the world of work and discover what inspires them. Whether you're dreaming big or still figuring it out, our goal is to help you explore career paths by teaming up with local businesses and industry leaders. Check out the calendar below and start your journey today!

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Career Exploration Days

These events allow high school students, parents and educators to explore a career pathway by attending hands-on activity sessions and demonstrations. Connect to future careers, meet with professionals and learn about DMACC programs! Transportation is the student’s responsibility.

Career Pathways in Clinical Research

Date: September 10, 2025

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Description: The Polk County Healthcare Workforce Collaborative and Iowa Coalition of Clinical Researchers have teamed up to put on two events this fall to highlight careers in clinical research. The first event takes place September 10th and is open to high school students and the general public. This is a unique opportunity to learn about clinical research careers, college programs, and hear from experts in the field about the importance of this career path and their professional experiences. 

Location:
DMACC Urban Campus, Building 7, Rooms 170-171
1144 7th St
Des Moines, IA 50314

Attend in person or virtually. Live stream will be available. Registration required for both virtual and in person attendance.

Register

Discover Healthcare Day - Polk County Healthcare Workforce Collaborative

Date: September 16, 2025

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Description: This event is for high school students grades 9-12th interested in exploring future educational and career opportunities in health care. There are many different types of careers in the healthcare industry, both patient and non-patient facing that make up an organization. From the nurse who helps care for patients, to the imaging staff, to the paramedics and EMTs who take care of patients pre-hospital and through transfers. You will explore different opportunities in healthcare from a clinical side through conversations and activities with different departments through Broadlawns, MercyOne, UnityPoint healthcare professionals. In addition, you’ll learn about educational opportunities in these fields from DMACC, Des Moines University, Grand View, and Mercy College. Lunch is provided!

Location:
Grand View University - Henning Student Center
2811 East 14th St
Des Moines, IA 50316

Registration: Registration will open August 1st, 2025

Discover Auto/Diesel Day

Date: Friday, September 26, 2025

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Description: This event is for high school students interested in exploring future educational and career options in the following areas: Auto Collision Technology, Auto Mechanics Technology, Diesel Technology, Power Equipment Technology, and our Manufacturer Based Internship Programs (GM ASEP, Ford ASSET, Honda PACT, and MOPAR CAP), which allow students to have a paid work experience while earning their 2-year degree. Students will have the opportunity to attend 5 interactive sessions with faculty and employers!

Please note:

  • Participants are REQUIRED to wear closed-toed shoes and pants.
  • Lunch will be provided.
  • Please indicate guests attending with you on the registration form so we have accurate numbers for lunch.
  • Educators: Due to capacity constraints, if you are registering more than 10 students, please email: mjschneiderman@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.

Location:
DMACC Ankeny Campus – Building 13 Blg 13 Map
2006 South Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50023

Registration: Registration for this event will open August 2025!

Discover Manufacturing & Engineering Day

Date: October 2, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Description: This is open to any high school student interested in learning more about manufacturing and engineering program at DMACC along with the career that go with them. During this event, students will participate in four hands on sessions across our manufacturing and engineering programs. During lunch, students will hear from an alumni panel. Lunch will be provided. The tentative schedule is below:

8:30-9:00: Check in: Building 5
9:00-9:20: Welcome & Overview of the Day
9:30-10:10: Session 1
10:20-11:00: Session 2
11:10-11:50: Lunch/Alumni Panel
12:00-12:40: Session 3
12:50-1:30: Session 4
1:40-2:00: Evaluation & Dismiss

Groups are listed below.

Group 1: Manufacturing

Session Activity
Tool & Die Baby Hammers
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Toy Tops
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Info. Session
Advanced Manufacturing Technology/Welding Phone Stands


Group 2: Engineering Technology/Welding

Session Activity
Industrial Technologies/ Renewable Energy Wind Turbine Demo
Robotics & Systems Engineering Technology Lego Bots
Electronics Engineering Technology Info Session/Activity
Advanced Manufacturing Technology/Welding Phone Stands

 

Group 3: Engineering/Engineering Technology

Session Activity
Engineering: Transfer Major Info. Session/Activity
Civil Engineering Technology Land Surveying
Architectural Technologies Info. Session
Robotics & Systems Engineering Technology Lego Bots

 

Location:
DMACC Ankeny Campus
2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Building 5 Room 1240
Ankeny, Iowa 50023

Register

DMACC Professional Skills Workshop - This event is limited to high school juniors and seniors.

Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Description: Ready to Land Your First Job? Do you want to sharpen your interview skills and boost your confidence? Are you truly “workplace ready”? This is your opportunity to connect with industry professionals, polish your workplace skills, expand your network, and practice interview techniques. With over 30 professionals on hand to guide and support you, this workshop is designed to prepare you for a successful future. Highlights of the event include:

  • Professional Skills Sessions: Helping you develop critical workplace skills.
  • Mock Interviews: With industry professionals who will provide valuable feedback.
  • Networking Opportunities: For you to meet and connect with peers.

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

Registration: **For registration inquiries, individual student and class, please email: wbl@dmacc.edu.

Innovation Starts Here: Clinical Research in Iowa

Date: October 15, 2025

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Description: The Polk County Healthcare Workforce Collaborative and Iowa Coalition of Clinical Researchers have teamed up to put on two events this fall to highlight careers in clinical research. The final event is October 15th and is open to high school students and the general public. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of medical professionals and research departments discuss their research and learn about current clinical research being done in Iowa. Lunch is provided.

Location:
DMACC Urban Campus, Building 7, Rooms 170-171
1144 7th St
Des Moines, IA 50314

Register

Discover Healthcare Day - Polk County Healthcare Workforce Collaborative

Date: November 11, 2025

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Description:

*Please note: This event is open to Des Moines Public School students only*

The event is for 9-12th grade students interested in exploring future educational and career opportunities in health care. There are many different types of careers in the healthcare industry, both patient and non-patient facing that make up an organization. From the nurse who helps care for patients, to the imaging staff, to the paramedics and EMTs who take care of patients pre-hospital and through transfers. You will explore different opportunities in healthcare from a clinical side through conversations and activities with different departments through Broadlawns, MercyOne, UnityPoint healthcare professionals. In addition, you’ll learn about educational opportunities in these fields from DMACC, Des Moines University, Grand View, and Mercy College.

Location:
Central Campus
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309

Registration Link: Registration will open August 1, 2025

Healthcare Career Day at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames

Date: Friday, November 14, 2025

Time: 9:15 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Description: Come join us and experience hands on activities and tours with different departments at Mary Greeley in Ames! There are many different types of careers in the healthcare industry, both patient and non-patient facing that make up an organization. During this event, you will hear from employees about Mary Greeley, what they have to offer, and job opportunities for high school students. This event is designed for 10-12 grade students interested in healthcare careers.

Please note:

  • Mary Greeley requires a “Participation and Media Release Form” to be signed by both the student and guardian. Once registered, the form will be sent to the email provided. Please bring the signed form with you at check-in.
  • Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
  • Lunch will be provided!

Location:
Mary Greeley Medical Center
1111 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010

Max Capacity: 30 Students. **Due to capacity constraints, if you are registering more than 5 students, please email jmwebb8@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.

Register


Worksite Industry Tours

These events are hosted by a business and are open to 11th and 12th grade students. 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. *Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 5 students from your class please email wbl@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.

Explore Health Sciences, Public and Community Services at ChildServe

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025

Time: 9:30–11:30 a.m.

Description: Come explore career pathways in Health Sciences and Public & Community Services at ChildServe. ChildServe improves the health and well-being of 5,800 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. They are experts in pediatric rehabilitation and care for children and young adults who have a wide variety of developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs. Students will learn about careers in nursing, therapy, direct support and healthcare administrative roles.

Location:
ChildServe
5406 Merle Hay Road
Johnston, IA 50131

Max Capacity: 30 Students **Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 6 students, please email rgillisarnold@dmacc.edu.

Register

Explore Careers that Power the Iowa State Fair

Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025

Time: 9:30–11:45 a.m.

Description: Join us for a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at the many career paths that keep the Iowa State Fair running year-round. This exclusive session is designed for students interested in exploring real-world opportunities in:

  • Business Operations, Accounting, Ticketing & Admissions
  • Maintenance & Skilled Trades
  • Marketing, Social Media & Education
  • Law Enforcement & Public Safety

You’ll meet professionals from each field, tour the Fairgrounds, and gain valuable insight into the teamwork, planning, and skills required to produce Iowa’s largest annual event. Whether you’re into fixing things, promoting big ideas, or crunching numbers, there’s something here for you.

Location:
Iowa State Fair Administration Building
3000 East Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50317

Max Capacity: 75 Students **If you are interested in registering more than 10 students from your class, please email ehwillett@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.

Register

Explore the Justice System at the Polk County Courthouse

Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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 Criminal Courts Building
110 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309

Max Capacity: 25 Students **Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 5 students from your class, please email ehwillett@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.

Register

Explore Design, Media & the Arts at Applied Art & Technology

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025

Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Description: Vaezr, a division of Zirous, is an experiential studio based in Urbandale, Iowa with over 30 years of digital marketing, video production, animation, and interactive media expertise. Learn how Vaezr uses cutting-edge technology and proven marketing strategies to help clients connect with their audience. Specialties provided include video, animation, web, digital marketing, interactive, and live/virtual events. During your time at our sound stage, you’ll learn firsthand from our team of experts how they started in this field. You’ll have the opportunity to experience a number of interactive games and tools powered by AI and computer vision that educate, inspire, and entertain!

Location:
Applied Art & Technology
2430 106th Street
Urbandale, IA 50322

Max Capacity: 30 Students **Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 6 students, please email rgillisarnold@dmacc.edu.

Register

Explore Healthcare Careers at UnityPoint Health– Polk County Healthcare Workforce Collaborative 

Date:  Tuesday December 9th, 2025 
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.  

Description:  Interested in health care? There are many different types of careers in the health care industry, both patient and non-patient facing that make up an organization.  From the lab and imaging staff to surgical services, to respiratory therapists.  During this event you’ll learn more about these careers, and many others, to find the right fit for you!  This event is designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in health care careers at UnityPoint Health.

Please note: 

  • Lunch is NOT provided. A mid-morning snack will be available.

  • Please wear business casual clothing 

  • Closed-toe shoes are required 

  • Parking is limited at the facility.  Please carpool when possible.    
     

Location:
Iowa Methodist Medical Center– Education & Research Center 
1415 Woodland Ave 
Des Moines, IA 50309 

Registration will open in October 2025! 


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.


How to Reach Us

Please contact us at wbl@dmacc.edu with any questions or concerns.