Complete
Career Day
Planning Guide
For Educators
A comprehensive resource
for teachers to make Career Day
meaningful and engaging for students
What Is The Mista Pat Project?
We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to educating underrepresented and underprivileged students on the many exciting career pathways in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math)
What Is Career Day?
Career Day is an exciting classroom experience where working professionals visit your school to share what they do at their jobs. These community partners help your students discover different careers while showing them how what they're learning in school connects to real jobs in the working world.
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This hands-on learning experience is perfect for elementary and middle school students who are just beginning to think about their futures and explore the many career possibilities available to them.
Different Ways To Structure Your Career Day
Presentation Only
Two 40-minute panel sessions with 30-40 students each. Perfect for smaller schools or limited speaker availability.
Best for: Elementary schools, limited time slots
Materials needed: Auditorium/large classroom, microphones, presentation screen
Presentation + Small Groups
One 40-minute panel with
80-100 students, followed by small group interactions for deeper engagement.
Best for: Middle Schools, mixed aged events slots
Materials needed: Large venue + breakout spaces, name tags, rotation schedule
Networking Booths
Career fair format where students visit employer-staffed booths at their own pace, encouraging exploration.
Best for: Large schools, diverse career representation
Materials needed: Gymnasium/cafeteria, tables, booth displays, student passports
Additional Ways To Structure Your Career Day
Speakers Series
Industry representatives rotate through different classrooms, allowing for intimate, age-appropriate discussions.
Best for: Elementary schools, limited time slots
Materials needed: Auditorium/large classroom, microphones, presentation screen
Online Virtual
Interactive online career day with virtual classroom visits, perfect for remote learning or weather concerns.
Best for: Middle Schools, mixed aged events slots
Materials needed: Large venue + breakout spaces, name tags, rotation schedule
Virtual Speakers Series
Industry representatives rotate through virtual classrooms, combining classroom visits with online flexibility
Best for: Large schools, diverse career representation
Materials needed: Gymnasium/cafeteria, tables, booth displays, student passports
Career Day Planning Timeline
8 - 10
Weeks Before Event
Initial Planning: Form planning committee, set date, choose format, identify target careers
Venue & Logistics: Reserve spaces, arrange furniture, plan technology needs
6 - 8
Weeks Before Event
Speaker Recruitment: Contact local businesses, parent networks, community organizations
Permissions: Send home media consent forms, coordinate with administration
4 - 6
Weeks Before Event
Confirmation: Confirm all speakers, send orientation materials, finalize schedule
Student Prep: Begin career research activities, teach professional interaction skills
1 - 2
Weeks Before Event
Final Details: Prepare name tags, signage, student materials, volunteer assignments
Student Readiness: Review expectations, practice questions, assign student roles
Pre-Event Career Day Classroom Ideas
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Watch videos highlighting different careers
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Give career interest surveys and assessments
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Career exploration field trips (Physical & Virtual)
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Career mapping activity
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Create a story about “A Day in the Life” of a professional
Research & Exploration
Age-Appropriate Preparation
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Elementary (K-5) Focus on career awareness, basic job functions, and connecting careers to community helpers they know
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Middle School (6-8) Emphasize career exploration, education pathways, skill development, and persona interests alignment
Day of Event Career Day Preparation
Setup Checklist​
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Welcome table with check-in materials
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Clear signage and directional arrows
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Name tags for speakers and volunteers
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Student tracking sheets or passports
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Technology testing (mics, projectors, internet)
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Refreshment station for speakers
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Emergency contact information
Managing Event Flow
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Create clear rotation schedules
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Assign student ambassadors to guide speakers
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Have backup activities ready for early finishers or technical difficulties.
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Create a schedule: Develop a tight schedule with short, engaging presentations (around 15 minutes) to accommodate more students and maintain attention.
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Assign presenters strategically: Match presenters to the appropriate grade levels, ensuring the content is age-appropriate and relevant.
Supporting Speakers
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Provide speaker orientation packets
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Assign teacher liaisons
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Offer presentation tips for age-appropriate content
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Ensure speakers have all necessary materials and technology support
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Introduce presenters warmly and help students feel comfortable
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Provide students with a list of prepared questions to ask presenters, encouraging them to be active participants.
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Take photos (with permission) to use in follow-up activities
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Help manage time and transitions between activities
Post Event Career Day Activities
Student Reflection
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Career day journals or reflection sheets
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Class discussions about new discoveries
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Thank you letter writing to speakers
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Career interest re-assessment
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Action planning for skill development
Reflection Discussions
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What was the most interesting thing you learned?
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Which career surprised you the most?
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How do the jobs connect to what we're studying in class?
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Draw pictures of their favorite careers from the day
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Write stories about what they might want to be when they grow up
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Create classroom displays about different professions
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Share what they learned with other classes
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Tell their families about their Career Day experience
Program Evaluation
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Survey students, teachers, and speakers for feedback.
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Document what worked well and areas for improvement for next year's event.
Link To FREE Career Day Worksheets
Planner Checklist
Career Day Planning Guide
Student Checklist
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Preparation
Preparing Students for a Career Day
Career Day Student Preparation Activity (Students)
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Evaluation
Career Day Student Reflection
Learning Activity Evaluation (Teachers)
Learning Actvity Evaluation (Student)
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Presenter/Employer
Presenter/Employer Career Day Overview
Presenter/Employer Prepare to Present
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