How To Host A Successful

Career Day EventVictor Elementary School District

Michael BenzienMaintenance & Grounds Supervisor

Bill KloppingDirector of Technology

Lisa BlackwellSupport Services Secretary

March 20, 2009

What You Need ToGet Started

“Dear Mr. Wilson, Your station was my favorite because it showed us a lot and now I know a lot of things. You used soft skills like eye contact and talking loudly.” – Green Tree East 5th Grader

Present idea to others to create excitement and support

Present plan to the decision maker(s) to obtain permission to proceed

If you don’t get buy in on your first try, don’t give up…try again!

Getting Buy In

“My favorite thing was learning how the two ladies in the office answer phones and handle problems. Also, thank you for the water. I was really thirsty. Once again, thanks so much.” – VESD 5th Grader

Determine your target audience for the event

Notify target audience to establish who can attend and how many

Once a head count is established, logistics can be determined

Participation

“My favorite part of this field trip was the warehouse. I also learned soft skills and that patience and responsibility are important.” – Park View 5th Grader

Select location for event. Things to consider:› Space› Safety› Restrooms› Lunch area

Select date(s) and time frame for event Determine transportation arrangements Determine lunch arrangements Establish number of stations and trades

Planning – Logistics

“ I wouldn’t want to change anything if I had a chance because I liked all of the careers because in each career there was something interesting. I liked the rotations, too. I thought it was going to be boring, but it was really fun.” – Discovery 5th Grader

Arrange for any necessary items for participants, such as:› Water bottles› Pencils› Handouts

Prepare space for each station› Signage with station details› Presentation materials› Seating area

Prepare lunch area› Set up tables and shade covers› Trash collection

Planning – Setup & Execution

“What I enjoyed the most about career day was learning all the soft skills and the way to do the jobs.” – Village 5th Grader

After Action Review

Adjustments Made

“Dear Mr. Klopping, The best place was where you were because you added more details to everything. I did not realize that this field trip was going to be so fun.” – Park View 5th Grader

Unites stakeholders (community, educators, and parents) to attain the common goal of ensuring students become productive future citizens

Connection between hands-on trades and soft skills

Students gain a better respect for all school personnel and property

Benefits To All Involved

“Dear Mr. Armstrong, Your station was my favorite because your job [HVAC] is very cool. You have a great way of explaining things. You also have great soft skills and I think your job is very important to all schools.” – Green Tree East 5th Grader

PREPARATION Ensure station area is safe, create seating area and traffic flow

for students Incorporate hands-on element, if possible, and anticipate

common questions the students might ask Be excited, involved, and have fun Highlight future of trade and soft skills desired

BENEFITS Promotes enthusiasm and positive relationships with students Creates rewarding opportunity to demonstrate skills and

knowledge Highlights confidence and understanding

of trades Provides insight to students’ knowledge Advances soft skills

Presenter’s Perspective& Benefits

“Dear Grounds Department, Your station was my favorite because I think you guys really enjoy your job. Plus, it would be cool to ride a tractor. I had a really good time.” – Green Tree East 5th Grader

Exposure to a wide range of career opportunities

The opportunity to interact directly with professionals of various career fields

A behind the scenes glimpse of what is needed to run a school district beyond the classroom setting

Understanding of what skill base is needed to qualify for certain professions

Student’s Benefits

“The students enjoyed being able to learn about the various jobs that keep our District’s facilities beautiful and running. The cold drinking water was a nice touch, too!” – Village 5th Grade Teacher

I liked how we got to see how the schools function. It’s not just a principal, teachers, and students…it’s like a huge city!

I liked how we got to see the industrial perspective and the office perspective.

Some highlights were:› Security System› Locksmith---master key› Big Bus Map› Motherboard on computer› Warehouse

Student’s Perspective

Our Feelings

Very descriptive and hands-on

Extremely organized----separate areas where employees

can focus on one thing

It was comical to see how big and complex the district is

compared to just a school, or even a classroom

Now we know that a lot more people than our teachers

care about our education because they are all working

together for the students

-David Todd & Kaira Wilson6th Grade Students - Galileo Academy 101

Career Day Excitement

“I thought it was exciting because we got to discover new jobs and places that I never knew existed. I thought it was one of the most exciting field trips and I wouldn’t change a thing.” – Discovery 5th Grader

Questions and Answers

VESD M&O CAREER DAY 2008