Career Exploration

Explore

We have a wide range of career exploration opportunities to help you find your passion and prepare for your dream job. Our career exploration programs include internships, job shadowing, mentorship programs, informational interviews with professionals in various fields, career fairs, and networking events. Whether you’re a high school student or in middle school, we have programs and resources to help you explore different careers, gain valuable experience, and connect with industry professionals. Let us help you take the first step towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

For more opportunities please see the continuing education courses listed here.

Contact Amy Steenhoek with questions.

EVENTS & CAMPS

(Listed In Date Order)

Event: B Robert Moore – Creating a League of His Own in Art (Greater Des Moines Partnership: Entrepreneur Field Days)

Date/Times: Tuesday, September 17, 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Description: Robert Moore (b. 1983, Des Moines, Iowa) is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist who is heavily influenced by socio-political events, cultural criticism, and collective identity related to the African American experience. Though he began drawing as a child, Moore fully leaned into a dedicated studio practice as an adult to facilitate healing and rehabilitation.
He is proud to be an independent artist who has cultivated a loyal following around the world. His first solo exhibition Out the Mud debuted at ThinkSpace in Los Angeles in 2023. Currently his first hometown solo exhibit is featured at the Des Moines Art Center as this year’s Iowa artists series. His exhibit titled, In Loving Memory, presents themes of Black life, its hidden figures, and heroes.

You don’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes studio tour in the heart of downtown with one of city’s rising art stars, proving it can be done here in DSM.

Registration: Creating a League of His Own in Art Registration Link & More Information
Cost: Free
Transportation: Not provided

Event: Discover Healthcare Day

Date/Times: Thursday, Sept 19 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: DMACC Ankeny Campus, Bldg 5

Description: This event is for 9-12th grade students interested in exploring future educational and career opportunities in healthcare. 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.

Cost: Free
Transportation: Provided by Ankeny Schools
Registration: Discover Healthcare Day Registration

Event: Golden Circle College & Career Fair

Date: Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 (1:00 – 3:00 pm)
Location: Prairie Meadows Conference Center
1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA

Description: Mark your school calendars for the premier college and career fair in the state of Iowa! The 34th Annual Golden Circle College & Career Fair is the largest college fair in the state, bringing the greatest variety of colleges and universities from across Iowa and the nation together for your students to explore.

Cost: FREE!
Transportation: Not provided
Registration: Visit www.ICANsucceed.org/goldencircle for the latest information on the fair, join the event online, or follow us on Facebook and X.

Event: Pepperharrow Farm, Creating Beauty Through Flowers in Madison County (Greater Des Moines Partnership: Entrepreneur Field Day)

Date/Times: Tuesday, September 24 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: PepperHarrow Farm, 1809 S 4th Ave., Winterset, IA 50273

Description: It all started with the idea that entrepreneurs learn best from entrepreneurs. Take someone’s hard-earned lessons and shared skills to jump-start business success. Seed the next generation of entrepreneurs. Cover a broad range of industries and subject knowledge expertise. Grow your perspective and see new areas across the community.

Registration: Pepperharrow Farm, Creating Beauty Through Flowers in Madison County Registration Link & More Information
Cost: Free
Transportation: Not provided

Event: Explore Auto/Diesel Day at DMACC

Date/Times: Friday, September 27, 2024 (9:00 AM – 1:30 PM, check-in starts at 8:30)
Location: DMACC Ankeny Campus – Building 13

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, 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.

Participants are REQUIRED to wear closed-toed shoes and pants

Lunch: Provided
Cost: Free
Transportation: Provided by Ankeny Schools.
Registration: Explore Auto/Diesel Day Registration
Registration Deadline: Friday, Sept. 20, 2024

Event: Explore Healthcare Careers at UnityPoint

Date/Times: Tuesday, October 1 8:45am – 1:00 pm
Location: Iowa Methodist Medical Center – Education & Research Center 1415 Woodland Ave Des Moines, IA 50309

Description: Interested in healthcare? There are many different types of careers in the healthcare 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.
*Open to 11th and 12th grade students only.

Cost: Free
Transportation: Provided by Ankeny Schools
Registration: Explore Healthcare Careers at Unity Point Registration

Event: Covariance, Transforming the Home Equity Lending Experience (Greater Des Moines Partnership: Entrepreneurship Field Day)

Date/Times: Wednesday, October 2 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Location: Coviance 3001 Westown Pkwy, Suite #200, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Transforming The Home Equity Lending Experience
Speakers: Omar Jordan, founder of Coviance

Coviance, headquartered in West Des Moines, is transforming how community banks and credit unions elevate the borrower experience, accelerate loan origination, and simplify operations and compliance management. Founder Omar Jordan launched the company in 2015 to give lenders instant FinTech power without losing the human touch that financial institutions need with consumers.

Today, Coviance has over 400 credit unions and banks as customers, has helped process over $19B in loan transactions, and has earned its spot on the Inc. 5000’s list of Financial Services companies two years in a row.
Learn & Discuss:

– Building a technology-focused lending platform
– Using case studies to create trust and show results
– How to drive sales in Business-to-Business (B2B) markets
– The fundraising process to raise capital to scale a company

Appetizers and beverages will be provided.

Registration: Link & More Details
Cost: Free
Transportation: Not provided

Event: Des Moines University High School Pre-Health Summit

Date/Times: Saturday, October 5 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Virtual

Description: Des Moines University’s High School Pre-Health Summit is designed to help you explore the opportunities we have to offer in the health sciences. This event will be run by current DMU students who were in your shoes not too long ago! Through this virtual event you will have the chance to interact with our students while also learning more about the path to a career in health science. If you are interested in health sciences this event is for you!

Registration: Registration is open until Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. To register, please visit dmu.edu/admissions/high-school-pathways.
Cost: Free
Transportation: Not provided

Event: Southeast Constructors, Building an Inclusive Community Through Construction (Greater Des Moines Partnership Entrepreneur Field Days)

Date/Times: Tuesday, October 8, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Southeast Constructors, 1801 McKinley Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315

Southeast Constructors is owned and operated by Perlla Deluca. Specializing in heavy construction, SEC is a women-owned small business that has worked on several diverse trades, including historic renovations for national parks and historic buildings, masonry restoration, waterproofing, demolition, site contractors, and excavation.

Originally from Brazil, Deluca immigrated to the US when she was 20 to start a real estate and construction career in Florida. She later moved to Iowa to acquire more experience in heavy construction. Some of her proudest projects are the Women of Achievement bridge in Des Moines and the restoration of former President Truman’s House. Her passion for helping other women and minorities entering the construction industry led her to start the Iowa School of Construction.
Speakers: Perlla Deluca, owner of Southeast Constructors and Iowa School of Construction

Learn & Discuss:
– Building a service-based in the trades, including large construction projects
– Procurement and landing deals with cities, state and federal government agencies
– Creating a mission-driven business

Registration: Link and More Details
Cost: Free
Transportation: Not provided

Event: Women in Construction Day

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 8, 9:15 – 2:00
Location: TBD (Des Moines Metro)

Description: Join the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) for an exciting day in the Construction Industry! Are you ready to dive into the world of construction? Join us for a full-day event that offers an insider’s look at the construction industry.
The day will include:
Jobsite Tour: Experience a live construction site and see professionals in action.
Panel Discussion: Hear from industry leaders about how they got there and what their days look like.
Construction Activity: Get hands-on with a fun and engaging construction activity.

Registration: Women In Construction Day Registration
Cost: Free
Transportation: Provided by Ankeny Schools

Event: Shivvers Technology & INnovation Group – Monitoring a Smart Grain Bin From Your Pocket (Greater Des Moines Partnership: Entrepreneur Field Days)

Date/Times: Wednesday, October 16, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Location: Shivvers Technology & Innovation Group (formerly Haber Technologies)
2316 230th St, Suite #707, Ames, IA 50014

Description: Haber Technologies was born from an idea in an agricultural engineering class at Iowa State University. Co-Founders Eric Harweger and Dillon Hurd developed the novel grain aeration & management solution, leading to the creation of the DRI-Stack® system in 2018.
Headquartered in Ames, Iowa, it has rapidly grown, helping farmers across ten states with their grain drying and automation technology. Haber Technologies was acquired by Shivvers Manufacturing in 2024, and is rapidly scaling their technology through Shivver’s established network of 250+ dealers.

Speakers: Steven Brockshus, CEO, and Dillon Hurd, co-founder of Haber Technologies (now Shivvers Technology & Innovation Group)

Haber Technologies was born from an idea in an agricultural engineering class at Iowa State University. Co-Founders Eric Harweger and Dillon Hurd developed the novel grain aeration & management solution, leading to the creation of the DRI-Stack® system in 2018.

Headquartered in Ames, Iowa, it has rapidly grown, helping farmers across ten states with their grain drying and automation technology. Haber Technologies was acquired by Shivvers Manufacturing in 2024, and is rapidly scaling their technology through Shivver’s established network of 250+ dealers.

Learn & Discuss:

-The process of selling a business and the importance of partnerships
-Learn about the state of technology in the grain bin and agriculture industry
-How to develop Internet-of-Things (IoT) products into the manufacturing process
-Increasing ag productivity through smart grain bin monitoring

Appetizers and beverages will be provided.

Registration: Link & More Information
Cost: Free
Transportation: Not provided

Event: Explore STEM and Manufacturing at Ramco Innovations

Date/Times: Thursday, October 17, 9:00 – 12:00
Location: Ramco Innovations, 1207 Maple Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Description: Explore the future of manufacturing and automation at Ramco Innovations. With over 60 years of experience, Ramco specializes in providing high-tech solutions to overcome complex automation challenges to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity in modern manufacturing. During this visit, you’ll explore Robotics and Engineering seeing the collaborative robot (cobot) in action, get hands-on with manufacturing tools and techniques guided by our experts, and check-out innovative projects from Sukup Innovations and Synk. Sukup, an Iowa-based manufacturer of grain bins and innovative agricultural products, is dedicated to enhancing productivity, equipment lifespan, and grain quality through advanced technology. Synk provides on-site automation solutions for the agricultural industry. Join us to learn more about Ramco, and the exciting world of manufacturing and STEM careers! Lunch will be provided.

Registration: Explore Stem and Manufacturing at Ramco Registration Link
Cost: Free
Transportation: Provided by Ankeny Schools

Event: Hummingbirds, Powering Businesses with Hyperlocal Creators (Greater Des Moines Partnership Entrepreneur Field Days)

Date/Times: Wednesday, October 23, 4:00 – 6:00
Location: Gravitate Coworking, 500 Locust St., Des Moines, IA

Description: Hummingbirds is a platform that connects brands to hyperlocal content creators & social media enthusiasts. Brands looking to drive local awareness and sales rely on the Hummingbirds platform to facilitate word of mouth marketing at scale. Creators (who they call “hummingbirds”) sign up, view campaigns they can do in their own backyard, and post about their experience on social media to local friends and followers.

Registration: Registration Link & More Information
Cost: Free
Transportation: Not provided

Event: Moglea, Making Artful Goods for Everyday (Greater Des Moines Partnership Entrepreneur Field Day)

Date/Times: Tuesday, October 29, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Location: Moglea 110 11th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Description: Speakers: Meg and Chad Gleason, owners of Moglea
Moglea is a Des Moines-based studio that focuses on the craft of artful stationery and home goods. Each piece is one-of-a-kind using hand-applied production processes (queue painting videos). The production team thoughtfully applies layers of paint to extra thick sheets of paper before cutting them down, yielding completely unique compositions. Each piece is finished on one of their antique presses, where it is foil stamped, printed, or die cut using traditional letterpress printing processes.Today’s studio contains all operations, including the design studio, wood prototype shop, pressroom, production studio, and fulfillment. Chad and Meg are still the creative directors of the line. You don’t want to miss this field day and the behind-the-scenes tour of Mogela in the heart of downtown Des Moines!

Registration: Registration Link & More Information
Cost: Free
Transportation: Not provided

Event: MidAmerican Energy Explore a Career Day

Date/Times: Friday, November 1. 9:45am – 1:00pm
Location: MidAmerican Training Center, 29813 R Ave., Adel, IA

Description: The MidAmerican Explore a Career event will give students a chance to explore a variety of skilled trade and non-trade careers found in the energy industry. This interactive event will be held at our Training Center for Excellence where we will have mini sessions running continuously, along with a non-trades career exploration section. Lunch will be provided for all guests.

Registration: MidAmerican Energy Explore a Career Day Registration Link
Cost: Free
Transportation: Provided by Ankeny Schools

Event: Kline Electric Tour & Apprenticeship Q&A

Date/Times: Friday, November 15, 9:00 am – 12:30pm
Location: Kline Electric, 6355 NE 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50313

Description: Come learn about the electrical field and what Kline Electric has to offer. The morning will consist of a tour, apprenticeship program information, and a panel Q&A.

Registration: Kline Electric Tour Registration Link
Cost: Free
Transportation: Not provided

Event: Explore Healthcare Careers at Broadlawns Medical Center

Date/Times: Tuesday, December 10, 10:00 – 1:00 pm
Location: Broadlawns Medical Center, 1801 Hickman Rd., Des Moines, IA 50314

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.

Registration: Explore Healthcare Careers at Broadlawns Registration Link
Cost: Free
Transportation: Provided by Ankeny Schools

JOB SHADOW OPPORTUNITIES

(Listed In Alphabetical Order)

Company: Ankeny Fire Department
Description: The Ankeny Fire Department’s Ride-Along Program allows current Fire and EMS students to experience, firsthand, the satisfaction in helping our citizens during an emergency. This program provides a closer look at what firefighting and EMS are and how you can pursue this as a career. Observers are welcome to schedule either a six or 12-hour shift Monday through Saturday, between 7 AM and 7 PM.
Request Form: Ankeny Fire Department Ride Along Request Form and Information

Company: Ankeny Police Department
The Ankeny Police Department has established a community Ride-Along Program to enhance the relationship between the community and the Ankeny Police Department. This program is designed to be an educational opportunity for residents or business owners to view firsthand police practices, procedures, and activity within our community. Participants must pass a background check. Ride-along requests are granted at the discretion of the Ankeny Police Department. The rides usually last 2 to 4 hours and many observers prefer the busiest times of the day, which are 2 PM and 10 PM.
Request Form: Ankeny Police Department Ride Along Request Form and Information

Company: Blank Park Zoo
Are you thinking about working at a zoo someday but not sure what it’s all about or where to start? Have questions for current staff and keepers? Then a job shadow is just for you! Students will explore various career opportunities at the Zoo, learn about the mission of the Zoo and the importance of our conservation work and spend time working alongside the team of their choice. Additionally they will learn how all these areas work together to create a successful non-profit and fulfill the mission of the Zoo.
Request Form: Blank Park Zoo Job Shadow Information and Registration Form

Company: Broadlawns
4-8 hour time frame. Provides students experiences to observe actual health care professionals. If you are interested in identifying and securing your job shadow experience, please see our approval process and requirements. In addition to the required application documents, job shadow applicants must also provide the following:
Proof of two MMRs or titer, Proof of TB test within the last year, Signed Medical Release (if under 18 years old) – this must be completed by a parent or guardian
All paperwork must be submitted at least 30 days in advance. Once all paperwork is submitted, you will be contacted within two weeks to schedule your job shadowing experience.
Request Form: Broadlawns Job Shadow Request Form

Company: MercyOne
We are happy to help coordinate a day and time for you to job shadow. We require that you send your request a month ahead as the process is subject to approval from the departmental managers. Also, note that a HIPPA, Confidentiality Agreement, Medical Disclosure & Screen Statement, and flu shot vaccination are required before you can job shadow at MercyOne Des Moines. Must be a junior in high school or older.
Request Form: MercyOne Job Shadow Request Form

Company: UnityPoint – Des Moines
Choose from the following experiences:

In-Person Interview (open to 16 & older to learn about job functions & responsibilities)
In-Person Observation (open to 16 & older. In-person observations consist of a designated team member showing various day-to-day job responsibilities in the area of your choice)
Observations available
Virtual Interview (Open to those 14* years of age and older to learn about job functions & responsibilities)
Request Form: UnityPoint Des Moines Job Shadow Request Form

TRAINING PROGRAMS & WORK EXPERIENCES

(Listed In Date Order)

Iowa Insurance Division Internship
Who: High School Juniors or Seniors. Must be at least 16 years old.
When: A 10-week program beginning approximately June 3, 2024
Where: IID Office located at 1963 Bell Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
Apply: Please submit your resume by January 15, 2024. For more information or to apply please send your resume and cover letter with attention to Linda Heintz at internships@iid.iowa.gov

This paid internship will allow you to gain real world experience in the insurance industry through an internship as an insurance regulator. A student interested in areas of accounting, actuary science, computer science, data analytics, mathematics, economics, marketing, insurance or securities sales, investigations or prosecutions of administrative insurance law violations, criminal fraud investigations, insurance legislation and rulemaking, or communications may find this unique opportunity extremely appealing. Interns will receive one-on-one mentorship, personalized training, early exposure to a possible career pathway and the opportunity to earn an Associate Professional in Insurance Regulation Designation.

MidAmerican High School Summer Internships
Date: Summer 2024
Description: Power up your future with a one-of-a kind internship at Midamerican Energy. Build up your resume and gain professional experience, while working beside our expert staff who support front-line operations, customer service and business administration. Earn $16/hour with the opportunity to work up to 40 hours a week throughout the summer. Develop skills in areas like:

Accounting
Administrative
Customer Operations
Data Entry
Mapping
Research

Requirements: Must be 16 years old. Essay. Letter of Recommendation. Parent/Guardian Consent Form.
To Apply and for More Information: Email hsinternship@midamerican.com.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office: National Public Safety Cadets (Open the cadet flyer for more details).
Description: Public safety cadets is a nationally recognized organization that partners with law enforcement agencies to provide training and practical experiences, and other support that will better prepare young adults to make an informed decision about a career in the public safety sector.

Membership open to young adults interested in a career in law enforcement.
Must be a graduate of the 8th grade and 14 years old.
No-cost membership and uniforms provided.
Silver cord hours recorded and provided to your school.
Month training sessions, community outreach events and activities, job shadowing, ride-alongs
GPA must be higher than 2.0
Background check required
Virtual Interview (Open to those 14* years of age and older to learn about job functions & responsibilities)

Application: For details, please review the interest letter and application from Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Questions can be directed to : communityrelations@polkcountyiowa.gov or 515-286-3015.

Des Moines Police Department Explorer Post #21
Description: Career oriented program aimed at preparing teenagers for the future. This program is for 12 to 19 years old. The Explorers get hands on experience with:

working with police officers
experience with police equipment
the different areas within the police department
attend meetings
attend conferences
enter competitions
assist with recreational activities

Application: You can reach SPO Nathan Nemmers at NGNemmers@dmgov.org for questions or to sign up.

Iowa Communications Network: Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council
Description: Our Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC) is an opportunity for high school students to discuss broadband and technology topics, learn about Iowa technology companies, discover careers, and network with peers. No advanced technical knowledge is required.

We are interested in hearing from students who are passionate about technology whether it be…apps, gaming, cybersecurity, fiber optics or something else. This opportunity will introduce students to a variety of technology aspects that are around Iowans each day.

Students obtain a cybersecurity certification, interact with industry leaders, start building their networks, and can add participation to their college applications or resumes.

Know a student who is interested? Here’s what they need to know.

Students entering 10th – 12th grades may apply.
Monthly meetings by video conference on the second Tuesday at 2 PM.
SYBAC runs September 2024 through April 2025.
Students: Submit a Membership Application.
Teachers: Complete the Teacher Recommendation.

To learn more visit: https://icn.iowa.gov/outreach/sybac?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Sam’s Club High School Internship
Date: Summer 2024

Description: Sam’s Club is currently offering a 10-week Summer Internship for high school students. This internship will give students valuable work experience in the retail industry with emphasis on customer service skills, technology-enabled services, and interpersonal relationship skills. In addition to working during the program, the associate will have access to many benefits at Sam’s Club, including associate discounts, financial wellbeing instruction, and access to our Live Better University education options. Live Better U is our partnership with Guild Education that allows your students to work for Sam’s Club while enjoying no-cost college tuition to several universities where they can earn a degree of their choosing in 30+ fields.

$16/hr pay
FREE college degree opportunities, great benefits, networking, and exposure to business world programs
Students will need a committed work availability from 16-30 hours/week

To Apply and for More Information: Member Frontline – High School Intern | Sam’s Club Internship Brochure