Career Exploration
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 view our course catalog.
Contact Amy Steenhoek with questions.
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
EVENTS & CAMPS
(Listed In Date Order)
Event: Explore Auto/Diesel Day at DMACC
Date/Times: Friday, September 29, 2023 (8:30 AM – 1:30 PM)
Location: DMACC Ankeny Campus – Building 13
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, 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. Lunch is provided.
Cost: Free
Transportation: Provided by Ankeny Schools.
Registration: Explore Auto/Diesel Day Registration
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023
Event: Co Op Solutions Lunch & Learn: Women In Technology – Analysis in the Tech Space
Date/Times: Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Location: Co Op Solutions 1500 NW 118th Street, Des Moines, IA
We welcome technology professionals and students to join us for lunch, learning and networking. Hear from our own Sangeetha Walajabad, VP of Technology Delivery on the topic of Analysis in the Tech Space as we focus on uplifting women in technology.
Cost: Free
Transportation: Not provided by Ankeny Schools.
Registration: Women In Technology: Analysis in the Tech Space Registration
Event: Electrical, Renewable, Electronics and Robotics Exploration Day at DMACC
Date/Times: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 (9:00 AM – 12:45 AM)
Location: DMACC Ankeny (Building 5)
Spend the morning with DMACC learning about Electric Utility, Electrical Trades, Renewable Energy/Industrial Technician, Electronics Engineering and Robotics & Control Systems programs. Whether your interests are placing and climbing powerline poles across the countryside or wiring buildings; Maintaining electronic equipment in offices, hospitals, and factories or programming robots and automation – this is the event for you. You will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities, talk with current college students and faculty. Pet a robotic dog and learn about solar and wind power and see what “sparks” your future! Participants are required to wear closed-toed shoes and pants. Lunch will be provided.
Cost: Free
Transportation: Transportation to and from the event will be provided by Ankeny Schools.
Registration: Electrical, Renewable, Electronics & Robotics Day Registration
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023
Event: La’James International College Open House
Date/Times: Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Location: 8805 Chambery Blvd., Ste. 1000, Johnston, IA 50131
Are you curious about careers in Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, Esthetics, or Nail Technology? Join us for an open house to meet students, get a campus tour, see live demonstrations and participate in hands-on activities.
Cost: Free
Transportation: Not provided by Ankeny Schools.
Registration: Call 888-880-2108 to RSVP
Event: Seminar Career Connections: Information Technology Panel
Date/Times: Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023 (Seminar Time: 1:37 – 2:06pm)
Location: Ankeny High School Career Center
Are you curious about opportunities within the Information Technologies Pathway? Join us during seminar to hear from business and educational leaders in the pathway. They will share their insights as well as answer any questions you might have.
Registration: Seminar Career Connections Sign Up
Event: Seminar Career Connections: Information Technology Panel
Date/Times: Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2023 (Seminar Time: 1:37 – 2:06pm)
Location: Centennial High School Career Center
Are you curious about opportunities within the Information Technologies Pathway? Join us during seminar to hear from business and educational leaders in the pathway. They will share their insights as well as answer any questions you might have.
Registration: Seminar Career Connections Sign Up
Event: Nursing Action Day at Grand View University
Date/Times: Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 (12:45 PM – 3:45 PM)
Location: Grand View University
One of the best ways to know whether a career path — and a college — is the right fit for you is to experience it first-hand. That’s why our nursing faculty are busy preparing hands-on nursing sessions for you to practice a variety of nursing skills during Nursing Action Day. Join us for a fun and interactive look at the nursing profession on October 5. During your visit, you’ll get experience in our clinic simulation center, meet faculty and learn about a career that is both rewarding and in demand.
Cost: Free
Transportation: Not provided by Ankeny Schools.
Registration: Nursing Action Day at Grand View University Registration
Event: Manufacturing Day at DMACC
Date/Times: Thursday, October 12, 2023 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Location: DMACC Ankeny (Building 3E)
DMACC will be highlighting 3 manufacturing programs including Welding, Tool and Die, and Advanced Manufacturing with exciting hands-on activities that demonstrate each stage of the manufacturing process in sequence. Hear from industry experts for all of your questions on an employer panel during an employer sponsored lunch. Students, staff or parents who are interested in any of our manufacturing programs are encouraged to attend!
Cost: Free
Transportation: Transportation to and from the event will be provided by Ankeny Schools.
Registration: Manufacturing Day at DMACC Registration
Registration Deadline: Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023
Event: Explore Agriculture, Animals & Natural Resources Pathway
Date/Times: Friday, October 13, 2023 (9:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
Location: DMACC Farm (25747 N. Ave. (US -169), Adel, IA 50003
Description: Are you someone who enjoys working with your hands and being outdoors? Are you passionate about the environment or like working with plants and other living things? Come and learn about the Agriculture, Animals, & Natural Resources Pathway and the many career fields that exist to use and care for the earth’s resources. You will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities, talk with current college students, faculty, and employers.
Cost: Free
Transportation: Transportation to and from the event will be provided by Ankeny Schools.
Registration: Explore Agriculture, Animals & Natural Resource Day Registration
Registration Deadline: Friday, Sept. 29, 2023
Event: Seminar Career Connections: Applied Sciences, Engineering, Manufacturing Panel
Date/Times: Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023 (Seminar Time: 1:37 – 2:06pm)
Location: Ankeny High School Career Center
Are you curious about opportunities within the Applied Sciences, Engineering, or Manufacturing Pathway? Join us during seminar to hear from business and educational leaders in the pathway. They will share their insights as well as answer any questions you might have.
Registration: Seminar Career Connections Sign Up
Event: Seminar Career Connections: Applied Sciences, Engineering, Manufacturing Panel
Date/Times: Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 (Seminar Time: 1:37 – 2:06pm)
Location: Centennial High School Career Center
Are you curious about opportunities within the Applied Sciences, Engineering or Manufacturing Pathway? Join us during seminar to hear from business and educational leaders in the pathway. They will share their insights as well as answer any questions you might have.
Registration: Seminar Career Connections Sign Up
Event: Discover Healthcare Day – Polk County Healthcare Workforce Collaborative
Date/Times: Tuesday, October 31, 2023 (9:00 AM – 2:30 PM)
Location: DMACC Ankeny Campus – Building 5 (2006 South Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, IA)
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. Lunch is provided.
Cost: Free
Transportation: Transportation to and from the event will be provided by Ankeny Schools
Registration: Discover Healthcare Day at DMACC Registration
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023
Event: Seminar Career Connections: Health Sciences Panel
Date/Times: Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 (Seminar Time: 1:37 – 2:06pm)
Location: Ankeny High School Career Center
Are you curious about opportunities within the Health Sciences Pathway? Join us during seminar to hear from business and educational leaders in the pathway. They will share their insights as well as answer any questions you might have.
Registration: Seminar Career Connections Sign Up
Event: Seminar Career Connections: Health Sciences Panel
Date/Times: Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 (Seminar Time: 1:37 – 2:06pm)
Location: Centennial High School Career Center
Are you curious about opportunities within the Health Sciences Pathway? Join us during seminar to hear from business and educational leaders in the pathway. They will share their insights as well as answer any questions you might have.
Registration: Seminar Career Connections Sign Up
Event: Kline Electric Tour and Panel
Date/Times: Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Location: 6355 NE 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50313
Are you a junior or senior and curious about a career as an Electrician or have thoughts about going into a trade or apprenticeship? Join Kline Electric for a facilities and jobsite tour. The day will also include time to hear about the Kline Apprenticeship and how this differs from other Electrical Contractors. Lunch is provided.
Cost: Free
Transportation: Not provided by Ankeny Schools.
Registration: Kline Electric Tour and Panel Sign Up
Registration Deadline: Friday, Nov. 10, 2023
Event: Seminar Career Connections: Human Services Panel
Date/Times: Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023 (Seminar Time: 1:37 – 2:06pm)
Location: Ankeny High School Career Center
Are you curious about opportunities within the Human Services Pathway? Join us during seminar to hear from business and educational leaders in the pathway. They will share their insights as well as answer any questions you might have.
Registration: Seminar Career Connections Sign Up
Event: Seminar Career Connections: Human Services Panel
Date/Times: Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 (Seminar Time: 1:37 – 2:06pm)
Location: Centennial High School Career Center
Are you curious about opportunities within the Human Services Pathway? Join us during seminar to hear from business and educational leaders in the pathway. They will share their insights as well as answer any questions you might have.
Registration: Seminar Career Connections Sign Up
Event: Discover Healthcare Day at Mercy College
Date/Times: Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 (10:00 AM – 1:30 PM)
Location: Mercy College of Health Sciences
Hosted by Mercy College of Health Sciences, this event will allow 10-12th graders the chance to learn more about many careers in the health science pathway. The day will include a campus tour, hands-on activities, and program and career information. Lunch Provided.
Cost: Free
Transportation: Transportation to and from the event will be provided by Ankeny Schools
Registration: Discover Healthcare Day at Mercy College Registration
Event: Seminar Career Connections: Business Panel
Date/Times: Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 (Seminar Time: 1:37 – 2:06pm)
Location: Ankeny High School Career Center
Are you curious about opportunities within the Business Pathway? Join us during seminar to hear from business and educational leaders in the pathway. They will share their insights as well as answer any questions you might have.
Registration: Seminar Career Connections Sign Up
Event: Seminar Career Connections: Business Panel
Date/Times: Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 (Seminar Time: 1:37 – 2:06pm)
Location: Centennial High School Career Center
Are you curious about opportunities within the Business Pathway? Join us during seminar to hear from business and educational leaders in the pathway. They will share their insights as well as answer any questions you might have.
Registration: Seminar Career Connections Sign Up