April 29, 2025

MiCareer Quest West Central event expects 1,400 students at Ferris State University learning about career and education opportunities

Ferris State University’s Jim Wink Arena will swell with opportunity on Wednesday, April 30, as the MICareer Quest West Central, organized by Michigan Works! West Central in Big Rapids, will host its seventh annual session helping students explore careers.

The beneficiaries are West Central Michigan’s ninth-grade students, according to Jonathan Eppley, Michigan Works! West Central’s local communication and marketing manager.

The visiting students from across six counties will receive one-on-one time with experts in high-demand industries, get a hands-on experience with the tools and technology and leave with an in-depth knowledge of today’s workplace as they look ahead to college and their future careers.

“We have found these students can adjust class schedules to allow for technical or industrial studies at area Career Centers and schedule necessary courses in their own school, to suit the careers of interest,” Eppley said. “We stand ready to help all students wanting to be professionals in manufacturing or other gainful employment, but MiCareer Quest is designed for this specific age group.”

Angela Roman, Ferris State University’s director of Career and Professional Success, has been among Ferris State’s professionals engaging students for each of the MiCareer Quest’s offerings.

“I have been on every planning team and know this is a great way for Ferris to give back to the community, helping these young students explore career pathways, hands-on,” she said.

Roman will have the company of colleagues from across campus assisting with the Career Quest cause.

“Our academic programs will have staff and students ready to engage our guests, which includes College of Engineering Technology programs, the College of Business’ Digital Animation and Game Design experts and leaders from various Ferris health care degrees,” she said. “Those areas with past involvement with MiCareer Quest are anxious to participate each year.”

Eppley is excited about this engagement opportunity that brings together students with Ferris State faculty and staff.

“Students will meet representatives of area industry, manufacturing and healthcare, along with faculty and other Ferris contacts in high-demand fields,” he said. “With the university’s great support and the 1,400 student visitors we expect, Wink Arena is a perfect venue in terms of logistics for MiCareer Quest.”

Roman said the team is ready for a high-impact day serving student visitors.

“We are serving students the whole day, when they arrive before mid-morning, with groups following either side of noon,” she said. “All the sessions are alive, with students ready to begin shaping their future with experts on hand and excited to help their cause.

Roman added, “It is a great opportunity to engage and have exposure to the messages and thoughts of the experts, and we hope they make a valuable connection to Ferris State University.”

Additional information is available at the Michigan Works West Central website.