In Mrs. Meyer’s Rhetoric course, students participate in mock interviews. This is part of the Work-Based Learning Program Bishop Garrigan provides. Within this unit, students design unique resumes, cover letters, and reference sheets which they will be able to utilize in the future. They also study communication and soft skills. After the unit’s completion, students participate in mock interviews in a career field of interest.
The mock interview process helps students gain confidence with the chance to reflect on their non-verbal and verbal communication abilities. It also provides an opportunity to make mistakes and work on improvements in a safe atmosphere. With the help of business professionals in the area, many being Bishop Garrigan Alumni, students not only “interview” for their desired career but are also able to explore different aspects of their career field, build strong relationships and ask questions of business professionals. Furthermore, the goal of this experience is to ensure all Bishop Garrigan students have the opportunity to strengthen their career awareness and develop professional skills needed for their future success.
This semester, a special thanks goes to our interviewers: Sean Noonan from Farmers State Bank, Andy Meyer from Bergland and Cram, Jennifer Meister from KRHC, and Officer Bo Miller from the Algona Police Department. These professionals take time from their day to create this realistic learning experience and provide valuable feedback and criticisms for our Bishop Garrigan students. It is through these business relationships we are able to connect classroom learning to real world experiences.
Mock Interviews are just one of the many Work-Based Learning opportunities Bishop Garrigan Schools offers. With job shadows, career field days, classroom speakers, as well as the roll out of Extended Career Experiences next school year, students leave Bishop Garrigan Schools with the many tools and career awareness needed for successful future employment.