TSTC students hone interview skills with local employers

(ABILENE, Texas) – Several Texas State Technical College students in Abilene and Sweetwater recently had the opportunity to sharpen their job interview skills during practice sessions with local employers.

As part of the college’s commitment to helping students prepare for their futures, the Career Services department hosts an Interview Practicum each semester. 

“Our goal is to help students build confidence during the job interview process, which is always one of the more stressful things you have to do when beginning a career,” said Erin Wilhite, coordinator of Career Services for TSTC’s West Texas campuses.

The students were asked a series of questions by three different interviewers. Students agreed that their confidence grew with each round.

“It was a better experience for me because I was able to learn from each interview,” said Nolan Baugh, an Automotive Technology student. “The interviewer asked me about the skills I have learned in college and wanted to know more about me as a person.”

Audrey Ricci, a lead recruiter for construction materials manufacturer USG Corp., said the event helped students prepare for a stressful event. Ricci volunteered at the practicums this semester in both Abilene and Sweetwater.

“This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain real-life experience and show their skills,” she said. “The students took the feedback from each interviewer to improve on the next session. They became a lot better each round.”

Matthew Perkins, an Electrical Power and Controls student, said having completed the session will assist him in another way.

“It will help me calm the jitters I might have when going to an interview,” he said. “It allowed me to learn better techniques when I am speaking to an employer.”

Wilhite said local business representatives are key to making the practice interviews a success.

“I appreciate the employers for taking time out of their day to help our students,” she said. “Their experiences with the interview process will help our students be successful when they prepare for that first interview.”

Other participating companies included Airway Services, Arrow Ford, Habitat for Humanity, ProPetro Services, RGF Insurance and Samuel EPC. Several TSTC employees also volunteered to help conduct interviews.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.