“Mock Interview Day” Gives Students Real-World Feedback and Career Connections

Students, volunteers, and Career Center staff came together in the Gengras Student Union Café for what has become one of the most celebrated career readiness events on campus. Students were represented from more than 30 majors, from Aerospace Engineering and Robotics to Animation & Game Art to Digital Media & Journalism.

Each student was paired up with a volunteer interviewer, who gave structured, rubric-based feedback on the 20-minute interview. Students were encouraged to bring their resumes, and many interviewers gave feedback on those as well.

Interviewers ranged from industry leaders like Donald Allan, Jr. '86, executive chair of Stanley Black & Decker and chair of UHart's Board of Regents, to parents of current students-even faculty members at other universities. "It was a wonderful experience," said Lisa Wisniewski, a professor at Goodwin University. "Meeting the students and hearing about their goals made for a fantastic afternoon."

Students were similarly positive in the feedback they gave after the event. For many, it was their first time sitting in front of a professional in an interview setting, and it changed how they saw themselves as candidates.

"It was my first real interview experience," one student wrote. "Just knowing what to expect and seeing how I would perform was invaluable. It allowed me to overcome a fear and leave with heightened confidence."

Other students pointed out that even if they'd practiced their responses beforehand, speaking them out loud to an interviewer made a big difference. "Small adjustments to gesture and body language were exactly the feedback I needed to go from good to great," one wrote.

Just as valuable as that feedback was the opportunity to network with industry professionals. Many students left with contact information that could give them a head start in their careers.