The region’s largest career exploration event for high school students will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi and be open exclusively to those who are preregistered. It will showcase hundreds of in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and technology, construction and health sciences. Participants will enjoy interactive exhibits and hands-on demonstrations led by professionals excited to highlight rewarding careers in Southeast Michigan.   

“Building our future workforce in Oakland County and across Southeast Michigan starts by introducing young talent to advanced, in-demand careers,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “There’s no better way to help them imagine what’s possible than through the hands-on experience at MiCareerQuest Southeast.” 

Since its inception in 2018, MiCareerQuest Southeast has hosted more than 34,000 students, with the opportunity to connect with industry experts, educators and training providers. It has earned recognition as one of the premier career exploration events for area high school students and is anticipated by educators, employers and workforce partners. 

Results from last year’s MiCareerQuest Southeast post-event surveys highlight its success: 

• 83% of students agreed they learned about career and training opportunities previously unfamiliar to them.
• 72% of students said the event helped them plan their post-high school education.
• 94% of educators said MiCareerQuest Southeast effectively showcased potential career paths. 

More 2025 post-event survey results can be found at OaklandCountyMi.gov/MiCareerQuestSE.  

“Sometimes a single experience can open a young person’s eyes to a whole new world of possibilities,” said Oakland University President Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz. “That’s why Oakland University is proud to support MiCareerQuest Southeast. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to get an up-close look at meaningful careers in fields like healthcare and advanced manufacturing — and begin to imagine the bright futures ahead of them.” 

This year’s interactive exhibits will highlight several career fields: 

• Construction — hands-on activities in masonry, carpentry and flooring installation, heavy machine operation simulators, road construction equipment demonstrations, welding, crane operation, surveying and 3D mapping
• Health sciences — mock surgeries and medical procedures with training mannequins, exercise science demonstrations, EMT/paramedic skills, CPR demonstrations, anesthesia techniques, biomedical engineering and research, firefighter and police officer equipment demonstrations and athletic training
• Advanced manufacturing and technology — interactive activities showcasing electrical, mechanical and chemical engineering, 3D additive manufacturing demonstrations, computer programming, augmented reality welding, automotive mechanic service, data science, cybersecurity, drone technology, electric vehicle development, marine technology and aviation maintenance   

“MiCareerQuest Southeast gives students the opportunity to experience firsthand the skills, technology and opportunities that define today’s professional trades,” said Lee Graham, labor management director for Operating Engineers 324. “By introducing young people to these careers, what our labor unions provide and the benefits of registered apprenticeships, we can help them discover pathways to rewarding, lifelong careers they may never have considered.”