With a busy careers programme, it’s easy to prioritise the big-ticket items. But when it comes to careers events, success often comes down to getting the basics right.
Drawing on 20 years in the sector and conversations with fellow careers professionals, Caroline Green (RCDP) shares five practical reminders to keep in mind when planning a careers event.
- Smart scheduling: Peak moments like National Careers Week or June HE days are crowded with events. Plan early, secure employers well in advance and use tools like the UCAS Hub to source contacts or identify external events before spaces disappear.
- Prioritise quality over quantity: A smaller group of well-briefed, engaging employers will always outperform a packed room of passive stands. Steer away from long talks and build in activities with plenty of interaction. Include a mix of voices: alumni and early-career professionals for relatability, alongside senior figures who can show progression. Be ready to guide employers on what 'good' looks like for these sessions.
- Communicate beyond the obvious: It’s not just heads of department and heads of year who need the heads-up. Large-scale events, such as mock interview days involving dozens of employers, rely on early and clear communication with reception, facilities, and wider staff. Simple steps, like setting up a dedicated employer sign‑in desk, can make a huge difference – keeping the event running smoothly and minimising disruption to the school day.
- Treat employers like customers: Employers are giving up their time and, for many, returning to a school environment can feel unfamiliar. Don’t assume they know what to expect. Brief them clearly on practicalities such as lesson changeovers, busy corridors, and how to interact with students. On the day, focus on the basics: clear signage, straightforward directions, and a visible point of contact. Safeguarding is essential, so share expectations in advance. When employers feel comfortable and well-supported, they’re more effective on the day and far more likely to return.
- Build student development in: Remember you don’t have to do this alone. Use prefects or careers ambassadors to support logistics: welcoming visitors, signing them in, guiding them around and clearing up afterwards. This lightens your load, improves the employer experience, and gives students valuable skills and CV evidence. Students can also help gather more meaningful feedback on how the event landed.
Getting these foundations right creates better experiences for students, staff and employers alike – and sets you up for more ambitious careers activity down the line.
UCAS Discovery events
And remember, alongside running your own event, you can also bring students to a UCAS Discovery Tour event.
Held across the UK, these events bring hundreds of universities, apprenticeship providers, and employers together in one place, with careers professionals on hand to answer questions and support informed decision‑making.
Whether students are attending your own event or a UCAS Discovery event, we also have resources to help them get the most out of the experience. Our Mission Cards are designed to prompt meaningful conversations, giving students ideas for questions to ask and helping them feel more confident in engaging with exhibitors.
Download Mission Cards
