How To Host A Successful Career Day Event Victor Elementary School District Michael Benzien Maintenance & Grounds Supervisor Bill Klopping Director of Technology Lisa Blackwell Support Services Secretary March 20, 2009

Motivated group Permission to hold event Buy In Determine audience Establish number of participants Participation Logistics Setup Execution Clean up Planning What You Need To Get 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 5 th 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 5 th 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 5 th 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 5 th 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 5 th Grader

After Action Review

More Time Per Station Improved Lunch Area More Chaperones Allow More Transporting Time Improved Handouts More Planning Time 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 5 th 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 5 th 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 5 th 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 5 th 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 Wilson 6 th Grade Students - Galileo Academy 101

1 st Annual M&O Career Day – June 2008 Approx th grade students Seven school sites 2 nd Annual M&O Career Day – June 2009 Approx th grade students All eighteen school sites 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 5 th Grader

Questions and Answers VESD M&O CAREER DAY 2008