Milton Hershey School Leadership and Entity Partners Prepare Seniors for Successful Futures
To prepare students for today’s competitive job market, leaders from Milton Hershey School, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, and The Hershey Company conducted mock interviews to calibrate students for post-graduation success.
“In their senior seminar class, students are learning how to get along in the next phase of life, and how to function outside the high school space,” said Jennifer Benson, MHS career services support specialist. “We want them to be able to talk about their skills in a way that would not make them nervous in their first interview. A practice interview with someone they have never met is a good way to simulate that.”
Resumes in hand, students entered the MHS Learning Resource Center ready to engage with interviewers—an experience designed to replicate the expectations of a true professional setting. Each interview question allowed students to discuss their education, skills, experiences, and future goals while receiving feedback from the professionals sitting across from them.
President and CEO of HE&R, John Lawn, is a volunteer interviewer every year.
“Milton Hershey School will always be our biggest priority,” said Lawn. “Our core purpose is to add value to Milton Hershey School. We have people who line up to be part of this, to be part of MHS in general.”
This year, 112 professionals volunteered. They each interviewed two students.
Benson explained that this also provides volunteers with a valuable experience. Each person makes a personal connection with two students and learns about a new aspect of the MHS experience.
Lawn interviewed MHS senior Timothy Geynovich.
“I loved hearing about his culture, which he brings to the school, and helps challenge the other students around him,” said Lawn. “No doubt his future is as bright as he wants it to be.”
Geynovich has pursued the Health Science Career and Technical Education program area while at MHS. He is in the Emergency Medical Technician program, working toward his certification. After graduation, he will attend Lebanon Valley College for nursing.
“As much as mock interviews are a requirement, I think this is more of an opportunity, because I got to talk to somebody who is considered a successful person,” said Geynovich. “The CEO of HE&R shared so much wisdom and advice.”
MHS provides a Career-Focused Education, offering certification programs, college preparation, and hands-on learning.
“From here, I will just keep my horizons open and keep moving forward in the medical field,” said Geynovich.