Career Discovery Events
Explore career opportunities with DMACC’s Career Discovery Events! High School students are invited to join us to learn more about a range of career pathways, tour local companies, and learn more about future career opportunities through these interactive events! Register now for events for the 2024-2025 school year!
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.
Discover Healthcare Day- Polk County Healthcare Workforce Collaborative
Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Description: This 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 over 12 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.
Registration for this event is limited to Des Moines Public School students, educators and guest of students at this time.
*Educators: Due to capacity constraints, if you are registering more than 15 students, please contact lynn@polkcountyhealthcare.org to check availability.
Location: Central Campus
1800 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
Registration: Registration will open September 2024!
Discover Healthcare Day – Polk County Healthcare Workforce Collaborative
Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Description: This 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 over 12 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.
*Educators: Due to capacity constraints, if you are registering more than 15 students, please contact lynn@polkcountyhealthcare.org to check availability.
Location: Grand View University - Henning Student Center
2811 East 14th St
Des Moines, IA 50316
Registration: Registration will open December 2024!
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 Broadcasting & Video Production at Iowa PBS
Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Description: Iowa PBS, Iowa's only statewide television broadcasting network, creates quality, innovative media and services that educate, inform, enrich, and inspire Iowans. We'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! During your visit, we'll take you on a tour of the studios to visit with a variety of staff and you'll sit in on the production of a weekly program. Career interest areas include: Producer/Director/Writer; Videographer/Studio Designer; Motion Graphics Designer/Graphic Designer; On-Air Talent/Podcast Host; and Production Engineer/Editor.
*Educators: Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 5 students, please email: ehwillett@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.
Location of Event: Iowa PBS
6450 Corporate Dr.
Johnston, IA
Explore the Justice System at the Polk County Courthouse
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
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: 20 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 Healthcare Careers at Broadlawns Medical Center– Polk County Healthcare Workforce Collaborative
Date: Tuesday, December 10th, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Description: This Career Exploration Day for area youth is part of the Broadlawns Medical Center mission to build a healthy community in which there is accessible, cost-effective, and high-quality patient care for all. Increasing the number of youth moving into health care professions is vital to a health community!
You will have an opportunity to tour and job shadow in select areas to learn more about our daily commitment to quality patient care.
*Educators: Due to capacity constraints, if you are registering more than 5 students, please contact lynn@polkcountyhealthcare.org to check availability.
**Parking is limited at the facility. Please carpool when possible. A shuttle service is available for offsite parking.
Location: Broadlawns Medical Center
1801 Hickman Rd
Des Moines, IA 50314
Explore Skilled Trades at The Baker Group
Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Description: Join us for this worksite industry tour at The Baker Group, the Midwest's leading provider of critical building infrastructure systems. We will learn about their expert solutions in the design, installation and servicing of HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical Systems, Sheet Metal, and Security Systems, just to name a few. All of these skilled trades are in high demand - Expect the best and learn about all the opportunities The Baker Group can provide! Lunch is included. Limited to 11th and 12th grade students only.
Location: The Baker Group
1600 SE Corporate Woods Drive
Ankeny, IA 50021
Max Capacity: 12 Students.
**Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 2 students from your class please email rgillisarnold@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.
Explore Video Production & Digital Marketing at TH MEDiA
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Description: Explore the world of video production & digital marketing at TH MEDiA! Founded in 2020 by elementary school friends, TH MEDIA specializes in storytelling for local business that connects their brand to their community through content production, social media management, branding, graphic design, and web design services. During your time at our studio, you’ll learn about the journey of starting & building a business, get hands-on with video production equipment and social media strategy for actual clients, and experience what it feels like to work at a small business and smaller-sized marketing firm. Lunch will be provided.
Location: 4308 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311
Registration Link: Registration for this event will open January 2025.
Explore Healthcare Careers at Broadlawns Medical Center– Polk County Healthcare Workforce Collaborative
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Description: This Career Exploration Day for area youth is part of the Broadlawns Medical Center mission to build a healthy community in which there is accessible, cost-effective, and high-quality patient care for all. Increasing the number of youth moving into health care professions is vital to a health community!
You will have an opportunity to tour and job shadow in select areas to learn more about our daily commitment to quality patient care.
*Educators: Due to capacity constraints, if you are registering more than 5 students, please contact lynn@polkcountyhealthcare.org to check availability.
**Parking is limited at the facility. Please carpool when possible. A shuttle service is available for offsite parking.
Location: Broadlawns Medical Center
1801 Hickman Rd
Des Moines, IA 50314
Registration: Registration will open December 2024!
Explore Healthcare Careers at UnityPoint Health – Polk County Healthcare Workforce Collaborative
Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Time: 8:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (approximate. Exact times TBD)
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 students interested in health care careers.
Please note:
- Due to capacity constraints, registration is open to students only. Guests of students and educators may attend with students; however, they will not tour with the students. A space will be provided to wait while the event occurs if you are attending with a student.
- Lunch is provided.
- Please wear business casual clothing
- Closed-toe shoes are required
Parking is limited at the facility. Please carpool when possible.
*Educators: Due to capacity constraints, if you are registering more than 5 students, please contact lynn@polkcountyhealthcare.org to check availability.
Location: Iowa Methodist Medical Center – Education & Research Center
1415 Woodland Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
Registration: Registration will open January 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.