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)

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)

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.