Getting Ready for CareerQuestTN!

Lt. Zack Hughes and Jo Munoz in the Daytime TriCities studio

We’re officially in the final countdown to one of the region’s biggest career exploration events—CareerQuestTN at East Tennessee State University, happening next week!

Each year, this event brings together students, educators, employers, and community partners with one shared goal: helping young people explore career paths and discover the many opportunities available right here in Northeast Tennessee.

As excitement continues to build, Jo Munoz, Talent Advisor with Premise Healthcare, and Lieutenant Zack Hughes with the Johnson City Fire Department, helped highlight the impact of CareerQuestTN by appearing on Daytime TriCities yesterday. During the segment, they spoke about the Healthcare sector of CareerQuestTN and the importance of introducing students to the wide variety of careers available in the healthcare field—from clinical roles to emergency services, administration, and beyond. Their conversation showcased just how vital hands-on exposure is in helping students connect their interests with real-world careers.

Behind the scenes, planning is in full swing. The FTDD team, along with hundreds of volunteers, will begin setup at ETSU next Wednesday, transforming the mini-dome into an interactive, career-focused environment designed specifically for students. Over the course of the two-day event, CareerQuestTN will welcome more than 3,000 middle and high school students from across the region. Students will have the chance to engage with industry professionals, participate in demonstrations, explore equipment and technology, and learn about the skills needed for in-demand careers.

CareerQuestTN has grown tremendously since it first began in 2017. What started as a single event focused on introducing students to careers in Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, and Construction quickly became a major success. That success paved the way for additional events that broadened the program’s reach and impact, including CareerQuestTN It’s All About Business, CareerQuestTN Hospitality Works, and the newest addition—CareerQuestTN Culinary Challenge.

Each CareerQuestTN event continues to build on the original mission: creating meaningful career awareness opportunities for students while strengthening the connection between education and the workforce needs of our region. By giving students hands-on experiences and direct interaction with employers, CareerQuestTN helps inspire the next generation of skilled workers and future leaders.

We’re proud to be a part of this incredible effort and grateful for the many employers, educators, volunteers, and partners who make it possible. We can’t wait to welcome students to ETSU next week and watch them explore the possibilities that await them. Stay tuned for event highlights and behind-the-scenes moments as we get everything ready for CareerQuestTN!