Student-Athlete Development Hosts Mock Interviews Event

STARKVILLE – Student-athletes earned one-on-one interview experience with professionals from across the southeast Tuesday night, as Mississippi State's Office of Student-Athlete Development hosted virtual mock interview sessions.

"It was extremely important for us to be able to continue this event because of its success last year," said Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development Briana Vaughn. "I believe this is arguably the most important aspect of our student-athletes' professional development. We were grateful to all the companies and representatives that showed the initiative to aid in our student-athletes' professional development and interview skills."

The event was held for fourth- and fifth-year student-athletes and was split into two sessions, with each session lasting one hour. With more than 40 interviewers present, students went through three 15-minute speed-dating style video interviews.

After conducting the interview, student-athletes were evaluated by the interviewers based on professionalism, speaking voice, interpersonal skills, clarity, question answering and use of examples. They also received feedback and advice following each session.

"This event is always so rewarding because of how much it benefits the student-athletes by getting interview practice," said Fellow of Student-Athlete Development Ashley Jocelyn. "During my first interview, I was petrified. Knowing that we are helping prepare the student-athletes in this area is something that I am most proud of. One of the rewarding things with this event is our relationship with the MSU Career Center. They are awesome. They hit the ground running and helped take the reins and turn this event into what it has become. They helped us get employers and taught us how to navigate the virtual interview sessions. I am grateful for our partnership with the Career Center."

Mock Interview Reactions

"Getting to speak to strangers was really helpful. Practice makes perfect and practice increases confidence, so I definitely feel more confident talking to strangers."

"I liked that we got feedback. The positive feedback was reassuring while critical feedback pointed out things I could work on."

"I enjoyed interacting with the students and hearing how each student's goals and visions were different and how that affected their responses and interview experience."

"With everything being conducted virtually right now, it was great to get experience with Webex for an interview."

"I thought things went really well. I thought this was a valuable experience and something I can build off of. My dad conducts interviews over the computer for his work normally, so this is definitely an important skill."

"Getting to know the student-athletes off the field makes this event interesting as a potential work site/career opportunity."

For the most up-to-date information, follow MSU Student-Athlete Development on Twitter by searching for "HailStateSADev."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Student-Athlete Development Hosts Mock Interviews Event

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