MiCareerQuest
Explore Careers. Discover What's Possible.
A Career Exploration Experience Like No Other
MiCareerQuest Northeast is a hands-on career exploration event for students in grades 8–12. Students meet local professionals, try interactive activities, and explore careers they may never have considered.
The event connects education and industry to help students see what's possible—and understand the skills and education needed to get there.
Students rotate through four industry quadrants: Manufacturing, Construction, Healthcare, and Technology. They'll have 28 minutes per quadrant to participate in hands-on, interactive exhibits showcasing various occupations and tools of the trade, opening their eyes to great career opportunities in Northeast Michigan.
This isn't a career fair. It's a chance to experience what's possible.
Students don't just walk around and collect brochures. They get a chance to see what it's really like to work in different careers, talk with professionals, use real tools and machines, and discover possibilities they may never have considered.
2027 MiCareerQuest Northeast
Wednesday, May 12, 2027
The Ellison Place, Gaylord, MI
Help Students Explore the Possibilities
Introduce students to your industry through a fun, hands-on exhibit that helps them see what's possible. Check out these Tips for Creating a Great Exhibit
2026 Event Recap
1,200+
Students
22
Schools
78
Exhibitors
130+
Careers
Experience MiCareerQuest Northeast 2026
Nearly 1,200 students in grades 8-12 from 22 area schools attended MiCareerQuest Northeast 2026 on Thursday, May 14, at the Ellison Place in Gaylord. Hosted by Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, MiCareerQuest Northeast is the largest one-day hands-on career exploration event for high school students in the region, giving students the opportunity to explore careers through interactive activities and direct engagement with working professionals.
This year’s event featured 78 exhibitors showcasing more than 130 in-demand careers in industries including healthcare, construction, manufacturing, technology, and public service. More than 300 professionals helped bring careers to life through hands-on demonstrations and real-world career insights, while 55 volunteers supported the event and helped ensure the day ran smoothly.
“This incredible career exploration event shares insight into the opportunities available to students across our region,” said Jessica Topp, CEO of Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium. “Events like MiCareerQuest Northeast highlight the importance of connecting education, workforce development, and industry to inspire the next generation. We are grateful for the sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and schools who came together to make this event possible.”
School and employer partners praised the event’s impact.
“This is the very best educational experience for the entire school year. Just incredible! Thank you!” said Charles Foreman, Student Services Coordinator and Human Resources Administrator with Wolverine Schools.
“Outstanding job! Seamlessly managed event. Thanks for having us,” said Nick Jarvis, Talent Acquisition and Engagement Specialist and HR Manager with Moran Iron Works.
MiCareerQuest Northeast serves as a valuable connection point between students and the region’s future workforce, helping young people discover career paths available in their own communities while building awareness of the education and training needed to pursue them.
MiCareerQuest™ was created in 2015 by West Michigan Works!, Kent ISD, and the Construction Workforce Development Alliance (CWDA) in response to employers' need for future talent in Construction, Healthcare, Information Technology, and Manufacturing.
Energizing Our Future Talent Pipeline
K. Claeys
H & H Tube
Vanderbilt, MI
I really enjoy being able to enlighten the future of our workforce. They are growing up in very different times which is always interesting. Showing them all the possibilities I think really gives them a chance to realize that it takes all kinds of people to make our world work and that there is a spot for just about everyone.
"Wonderful event! The engaging activities kept you wanting to learn more. The representatives were patient enough to answer all my questions. I may not have found the right career for me here, I've certainly changed my mind on some options."
8th Grade Student, Inland Lakes
"There were so many interesting and eye-opening stations to go to and learn about career options I wouldn’t have known about before!"
10th Grade Student, Grayling
"I was able to network with employers while I'm still in high school and most were willing to offer job shadows!"
12th Grade Student, Johannesburg-Lewiston
Charles Foreman
Student Services Coordinator
Wolverine Schools
This event is the BEST thing in education for the entire school year.