Mock Interview Event Prepares Milton Hershey School Seniors for the Next Chapter
For Milton Hershey School seniors, graduation is quickly approaching. As they prepare to launch into the next chapter, whether it be college, military, or the world of work, MHS works to ensure they have all the skills they need to succeed—including interview techniques.
Last week, graduating seniors participated in mock interviews to provide them with experience answering commonly asked interview questions and giving them an opportunity to interact with professionals. More than 90 professionals from MHS, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R), The Hershey Company, and more, volunteered their time to be interviewers. John Lawn, CEO at HE&R, also participated, lending his skills to the seniors, and showcasing the partnership between MHS and the community.
This event was a graded activity for MHS seniors, as a part of their senior seminar course. The course is designed to prepare graduating seniors to take the next step after graduation. Together, graduating seniors explore career-focused education topics such as financial literacy, post-graduation planning, social emotional learning, various job skills, and health care.
“Mock interviews provide an opportunity to practice real-life skills in an environment where feedback is offered without the high stakes of a true job interview,” shared Mark Frew, MHS Senior Seminar Teacher.
MHS initially hosted a mock interview event in 2019—taking a year off in 2020 before hosting a virtual event in 2021. Students and staff were excited to be back to develop the face-to-face communications skills that are necessary for long-term success.
“Career-focused events like mock interviews are important for our students and graduates because they give real world experience and offer time to connect with professionals and alumni who can share feedback and perspective,” shared Jenifer Benson, MHS Career Services Support Specialist. “Through this experience, students can become more prepared to respond to interview questions and become confident in their interactions during the hiring process after graduation. We want students to know that not all career paths are simple and opportunities may develop in their futures that allow them to change direction and continue to learn and grow.”
The mock interview event is just another way that MHS works to prepare its students with the skills to thrive after graduating from high school. At MHS, staff and teachers understand that there is more to a student’s success than their classroom achievements. Most importantly, MHS works to instill the soft skills that all students need to be successful in all areas of their post-graduate lives.