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!
Browse LibraryCareer 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
Lunch is provided.
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
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: tjkruse1@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.
Location:
DMACC Ankeny Campus – Building 13 Blg 13 Map
2006 South Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50023
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
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.
RegisterWorksite 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 Agriculture, Animals, & Natural Resources
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Description: “Polk County Conservation exists to provide the citizens of Polk County with quality
outdoor recreation, conservation education, and long-term protection of Polk County’s
natural heritage. This effort is carried out by full-time and seasonal staff from
the following units:
- Administration
- Community Outreach
- Construction Maintenance Operations
- Environmental Education
- Equestrian Center
- Natural Resources
- Parks
Come explore PCC’s headquarters at Jester Park Nature Center (other close-by facility tours may also be included) and hear from various personnel on what it takes to become part of the Polk County Conservation team!”
*Please note: You will be driving to multiple site locations within Jester Park during
the tour.
Location:
Jester Park Nature Center
12130 NW 128thStreet
Granger, IA 50109
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.
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.
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
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Closed-toe shoes are required
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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.