It takes a community to help students see what's possible!
Help us create an unforgettable career exploration experience for local students
Career Quest brings together students, employers, educators, and community partners for an interactive look at careers available right here in our region. It takes a lot of people behind the scenes to make the event run smoothly, and we’d love to have you join us!
Why Volunteer?
- Make an impact – Help students discover careers and possibilities they may not have considered before.
- Support our region – Be part of a community-wide effort connecting young people with local industries and employers.
- Meet great people – Connect with businesses, educators, workforce partners, and other community volunteers.
- Have fun – Career Quest is busy, energetic, and definitely not your typical volunteer shift!
What to Expect
Career Quest is a fast-paced, high-energy event, and our volunteers play an important role in keeping everything running smoothly. Volunteer shifts are available from 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. on both days of the event. Schools will arrive in scheduled groups approximately every 20 minutes between 9:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., so volunteers will help us welcome students, keep groups moving, and make sure everyone has a great experience.
No prior experience is required! We’ll provide instructions and everything you need to know before your shift, and Career Quest staff will be available throughout the event to provide support. Volunteer roles will be assigned based on the needs of the event, so we ask volunteers to come ready to jump in and help wherever they are needed most. Volunteers should expect to be on their feet and moving around for much of their shift. We’ll provide a Career Quest volunteer T-shirt, and we strongly encourage comfortable shoes. Complimentary snacks and drinks, including coffee, soda, and water, will also be available throughout the event.
Potential Volunteer Roles
Depending on event needs, volunteers may be assigned to:
- School & Student Welcome – Greet arriving schools, passing out backpacks, and help student groups get oriented.
- Bus Arrival & Departure Support – Help coordinate buses and keep student arrivals and departures organized.
- Exhibitor Support – Assist participating businesses and organizations with questions or needs during the event.
- Hospitality Support – Help maintain volunteer and exhibitor hospitality areas and distribute snacks and refreshments.
- Event Support & Floaters – Provide an extra set of hands wherever help is needed throughout the event.
- Zone Support – Stationed in each of the four (4) zones to assist with directing students through the event.
Specific volunteer assignments will be made by the Career Quest team based on event needs.
Volunteer FAQ
Career Quest volunteers come from throughout our community. Whether you’re an employer, retiree, college student, community partner, or simply someone who wants to support young people, we’d love to have you participate.
Not at all! No prior volunteer or event experience is required. We’ll provide the information, instructions, and support you need to feel comfortable in your role.
Absolutely! We welcome volunteers who would like to help with multiple shifts or spend more of the event with us. Simply select the shifts that work best for your schedule when you register.
Absolutely! Businesses and organizations are welcome to volunteer together. If you’re interested in coordinating a group of volunteers, please contact Jackie Thomas at jackie@greaterroanokeworks.com.
All volunteers will receive a Career Quest volunteer t-shirt to wear during the event. Please pair it with comfortable pants or jeans and, most importantly, comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be standing and walking for much of your shift.
We want Career Quest to be welcoming and accessible to everyone. If you need an accommodation to participate as a volunteer, please let us know during registration so our team can work with you in advance. Please contact Jackie Thomas at jackie@greaterroanokeworks.com at least a week in advance of the event so that we can properly assist you.