Career Discovery Events

Discover Healthcare Day – Polk County Healthcare Workforce Collaborative  

Date:  January 29, 2026

Time: 9:00-2:00 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.  Please email lynn@polkcountyhealthcare.org with any questions. 

Location:  
Mercy College of Health Sciences  
Sullivan Center 
921 6th Ave 
Des Moines, IA 50309

DMACC Professional Skills Workshop

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Description:The DMACC Professional Skills Workshop provides high school juniors and seniors with practical tools and experiences to succeed in today’s job market and refine their professional skills. 

The event will feature:

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

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

Registration:  If you’re interested in registering, please email Emily Willett, ehwillett@dmacc.edu to inquire about availability.

Healthcare Career Day at Mary Greeley Medical Center

Date: Friday, March 6, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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!

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

Max Capacity: 30 students.  **Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 5 students from your class, please emailjmwebb8@dmacc.eduto confirm availability.

Registration Link: Coming soon!

Explore the Justice System at the Polk County Courthouse

Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

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

Max Capacity:  40 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.

Registration Link: Coming Soon!

Explore Engineering & Manufacturing at RCS Millwork

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Time:  9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Description: Come join us at RCS Millwork, a national leader in architectural millwork since 1966.  During this guided tour, students will see how commercial interiors are designed, engineered, and manufactured for industries such as hospitality, healthcare, education, and corporate spaces.  RCS Millwork offers insight into careers in skilled trades, design, engineering, and modern manufacturing.  This tour provides a real-world look at how innovation and craftsmanship come together to transform spaces. 

This tour is perfect for students interested in:

• Skilled trades and craftsmanship
• Architecture, construction, and engineering
• Manufacturing technology
• Design, problem-solving, and creative careers

Location:
RCS Millwork
1554 NE 69^th Place
Ankeny, IA 50021

Max Capacity: 25 Students.  **Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 4 students from your class, please emailrgillisarnold@dmacc.eduto confirm availability.

Registration Link: Coming Soon!

Explore Careers in Transportation at Housby

Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Description: Join us at Housby, a family-owned truck dealership in Iowa, for an exclusive tour and presentation that offers an inside look into our dynamic business. On this day, students will explore our state-of-the-art facility in Ankeny and discover the diverse career opportunities we offer—primarily in Diesel Technology, along with supporting roles in Service, Parts, Sales, and more. Students will gain valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of a Diesel Technician within our shop, as well as learn about our innovative Housby University program, designed to train students from beginner to expert level in the Diesel field. This is a great opportunity to see firsthand what it’s like to build a rewarding career in the trucking industry with Housby!

Location: 
Housby
8700 SE Convenience Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50021

Max Capacity: 40 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.

Registration Link: Coming soon!

Explore Building Trades and Manufacturing at Brockway Mechanical

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Description: Join us at Brockway Mechanical for a unique look inside a 25-story skyscraper transformation project in downtown Des Moines. During this tour, students will learn more about our company, our history, and the critical role we play in large-scale mechanical and construction projects.
Students will walk through several areas of the first 18 floors, where the building is currently being converted from office space into modern apartments. Along the way, they will be introduced to real-world applications of careers in HVAC, Plumbing, Sheet Metal Roofing, Project Management, and Estimating.
Throughout the tour, students will see different stages of construction, hear about the responsibilities of each trade, and experience how mechanical systems are designed, installed, and coordinated in a high-rise environment. They will also hear directly from current employees, including Gunner O’Reilly, a DMACC Building Trades student—who will share their educational backgrounds, daily work, and insights into entering the trades.

Dress Code:
Leather shoes or boots are required. Jeans or carpenter pants and a sleeved shirt must be worn for safety.

Location:
Financial Center
606 Walnut St.
Des Moines, IA 50309

Max Capacity: 20 Students.  **Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 3 students from your class, please email rgillisarnold@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.

Registration Link: Coming soon!

Explore Business & Entrepreneurship at Taylored Expressions

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026

Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Description: Are you curious about how a simple hobby can become a thriving business? Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes worksite tour at Taylored Expressions, a leading paper-crafting company right here in Ankeny, Iowa! This immersive tour is not just a look at pretty products, it’s a lesson in business, craftsmanship, and community. Come spark your creativity, understand the “science” of a craft-based business, and leave inspired by what’s possible when passion meets purpose!

Location:
Taylored Expressions
1955 SE Oak Drive
Ankeny, IA 50021

Max Capacity: 25 students.  **Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 5 students from your class, please email jmwebb8@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.

Registration Link: Coming soon!

Explore Agriculture, Animals & Natural Resources at Rose Farm

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026

Time:  9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Description: Join us at Rose Farm in Norwalk, IA.  This 25-acre property offers an ideal setting for students interested in careers connected to sustainable agriculture, horticulture, animal systems, environmental stewardship, and natural resource management.  This tour will give students a real-world look at how modern farmers combine agricultural science, environmental responsibility and entrepreneurship to build a successful and sustainable operation.  It’s an inspiring opportunity for any student curious about future careers in agriculture, natural resources, ecology, horticulture, or animal systems.

Location:
Rose Farm
7197 43^rd Avenue
Norwalk, Iowa 50211

Max Capacity: 40 Students.  **Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 5 students from your class, please email rgillisarnold@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.

Registration Link: Coming soon!

Explore Design, Media & the Arts at Iowa PBS

Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Description: Come join us at Iowa PBS! As Iowa's only statewide television broadcasting network, Iowa PBS creates quality, innovative media and services that educate, inform, enrich, and inspire Iowans. They're the folks who bring you those unforgettable local programs, broadcast services, and innovative educational initiatives that shape the future of our communities. If you're interested in capturing and sharing stories or public media, spend the morning with us!

Location:
Iowa PBS
6450 Corporate Dr.
Johnston, IA

Max Capacity: 25 Students.  **Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 3 students from your class, please email rgillisarnold@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.

Registration Link:  Coming soon!