Students enrolled in the Academy of Finance at Northport High School have many opportunities to gain real world experience, including by participating in their required summer internships. To help them prepare for these opportunities, the school holds mock interviews with members of the AOF Advisory Board, program alumni and community members where students receive feedback on their interviewing skills and resumes in real-time.
Mock interviews recently took place on Friday, May 3, with more than 20 community members and alumni supporting the students through this event. To prepare for the event, students learned about proper interview etiquette, such as making eye contact and speaking clearly, and drafted their resumes in class.
Fellow junior Samantha DeNisco said she “learned about how much interviews relate to real life” and how the skills you learn in the classroom can help you prepare for interviews. She also spoke of getting feedback on her resume, learning that her interviewer was happy to see her contact information front and center, making call backs for second interviews easier.
Several alumni were present to support their fellow NHS Tigers. Class of 2010 graduate Joseph Cicio shared that he has helped with the interviews for several years and said “I always find it’s nice coming back and meeting the future work force.” He also spoke about how the program, specifically the high school’s accounting class, ultimately inspired him to pursue a career in the field.
Fellow alum Marisa Piscitelli recalled participating in the event during her time at school, saying “It felt like a real job interview. I wanted to come back and give back to the experience.” She expressed that she hoped to make the student feel comfortable being themselves in the interview and help them “develop in their careers.”
Following each interview, the interviewer will complete a form to provide the students with further feedback so they can grow as professionals and improve their resumes.