This research investigated career guidance and counseling activities that foster career awareness among students in public secondary schools in Misungwi District, Tanzania. To achieve this objective, the study adopted the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), as developed by Lent, Brown, and Hackett in 1994. The research employed a mixed research approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods, utilizing an exploratory sequential design. The sample consisted of 318 respondents, including 200 students, 90 teachers, 10 heads of schools, 10 student counselors, and 8 Ward Education officers. The researcher collected data by using questionnaires and interview. The validity and reliability of the research instruments were demonstrated by a correlation coefficient of 0.76. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the assistance of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The findings revealed that although some schools provided career guidance and counseling services, the majority of these activities were not closely aligned with career guidance and counseling. Moreover, the study underscored that the effectiveness of career guidance and counseling services in public secondary schools is hindered by the absence of professional career counselors, limited knowledge and skills among teacher counselors, and a shortage of materials for conducting effective career guidance and counseling activities. In conclusion, the research recommends the enhancement of career guidance and counseling services through the employment of professional counselors and the provision of seminars, workshops, and training for teacher counselors in schools.