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Background
In 2003,
the advisory board at Brazosport College (BC) became aware that BC
students were not doing as well as students from other campuses during the application
and interview process of the job search. Advisory committee members decided
that a training program specific to the process technology industry needed to
be developed to provide job search skills to these students – Project
Interview.
Planning
the Event
Job placement
counselors from Brazosport worked with members on the advisory board from the
Dow Chemical Company, ConocoPhillips, and BASF to develop a plan. As part of
the process, they researched methods and models to develop the Project Interview
program. This included visiting Lamar Institute of Technology, where mock interviews
were conducted for students in all fields. The program was piloted in the spring
of 2003, and then modified and expanded for introduction in the fall of 2003.
Introducing
the Program
During the
first stage of Project Interview, the students attended a 2-hour seminar that
included presentations on filling out an application, writing a resume, interviewing,
and industry-specific, job search tips by representatives from BASF and ConocoPhillips.
Mock
Interviews
After a two-week preparation period, the students practiced
their newly acquired skills during a mock interview with industry representatives
from The Dow Chemical Company, ConocoPhillips, BASF, and Kelly Services, who
were experienced in interviewing candidates for process operations positions.
Students had to dress appropriately and bring a current resume. After being
interviewed, each student received a critique of his or her interview and resume.
Evaluation
Finally, both the 48 participating students and the “employers”
were asked to evaluate Project Interview. Results from these evaluations were
included in a report to the advisory board.
Results
As a result
of the positive feedback on Project Interview, the board has decided to hold
the workshop each semester, rather than annually. It is now required for Introduction
to Process Technology I students attending BC.
