Interviews help students get ahead

Around 80 students from across the University’s faculties attended the recent Career Ahead Speed Interviewing event hosted by the Alumni Office and Careers Central.

Held on October 20, the event saw final and penultimate year as well as postgraduate students participate in mock interviews in the hope of honing their skills in preparation for their entry into the workplace.

Senior Alumni Relations Coordinator Kelly Salmon said 48 UOW alumni acted as interviewers on the day, asking students a series of mock interview questions in an allocated amount of time.

“The interviewers varied from alumni currently in graduate positions to Senior Managers and CEO’s. There were representatives from Railcorp, Peoplecare, Bluescope Steel, Wollongong City Council, Department of Education, Thomas and Coffey and the Attorney Genertal’s Department,” she said.

“Many of the alumni said the students were very grateful for the feedback they received and found the event to be worthwhile.”

Ms Salmon said Careers Ahead was a unique initiative and had been running at UOW for five years.

Acting Assistant Director, Court Services for the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Kylie Nicholls attended the event as an alumni interviewer. She said the experience was a very rewarding one which enabled her to pass on her knowledge to current students.

“The event allowed me to pass on what I’ve learnt through ‘trial and error’ throughout my career and through observing many interview candidates,” she said.

“I think Career Ahead is an excellent program. It’s format really helps students prepare for real-life interview situations.”

A student attendee remarked that the event was beneficial in improving the confidence and interview responses of students about to enter the workforce.

“I would definitely recommend the program as a must-do for all students,” he said.

By: Jenna Bradwell.

Last reviewed: 1 November, 2011