(ROSENBERG, Texas) - With the knowledge that practice makes perfect, Texas State Technical College held an inaugural job interview session for students in Fort Bend County, an event that is a job-readiness tradition on most of the other TSTC campuses statewide.
TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services hosted this first-ever Interview Practicum with assistance from industry partners and TSTC faculty and staff.
Soon-to-be TSTC graduates from Electrical Lineworker Technology and Electrical Power and Controls participated in the event that included mock job interviews, resume building and interview skills workshops.
TSTC Placement Coordinator Judy Cox said each student participated in a round of interviews, each 30 minutes long, and were provided constructive feedback on how to improve his/her resumes and interview skills.
“It’s important to ensure the success of our students,” said Cox. “We create students who are not only technically skilled, but also well-rounded with the people skills they need to competently and confidently present themselves to industry recruiters.”
Industry partners such as Kiewit Corporation; Atec, Inc.; Burns & McDonnell and IBEW Electrical Lineworkers Local Union 66 participated in the event helping with interview coaching and providing student feedback.
Ben Holmes, business representative for IBEW, said he was happy to help TSTC in providing this type of opportunity for its students.
“We have a close relationship with TSTC and their students are graduating job-ready and with the technical skills we’re looking for, but improving their soft skills is also part of the plan and that’s great,” said Holmes. “Some of these students have never had an interview, so giving them the chance to practice and improve is invaluable.”
This was the case for TSTC Electrical Lineworker Technology student Angel Moran, who got his first taste of interviewing at the interview practicum.
“I was pretty nervous going into this,” said the 19-year-old. “I was shaky the first round, but really took advice to heart and felt improvement and more confidence going into the second and third rounds.” I’m glad TSTC gave us this opportunity. An interview is everything. That’s what gets you the job and career you want.”
The Fresno native, who graduates next month, said he has already been invited to interview with CenterPoint Energy in Houston and feels more prepared for the interview process because of TSTC’s recent event.
“Interview Practicum taught me a lot and has been very helpful, especially for a first-timer like me,” he said. “I’m thankful to the coaches who took the time to help us and to TSTC for its support in and out of the classroom, and for ensuring that we’re job-ready.”
After seeing the success and positive feedback she received from students and industry partners, Cox said TSTC plans to host this event annually.
“According to our students, our event was 100 percent successful, and I agree,” she said. “The confidence I saw our students leaving with puts a smile on my face. And our industry partners were very impressed with our students’ skills. Our interview practicum can only grow from here and we’re excited for what’s to come.”
In order to promote job placement, TSTC has held interview practicums at its other ten campuses for the past decade. TSTC in Fort Bend County is among the newest but fastest growing campuses for the college.
For more information on the services offered by Talent Management and Career Services to TSTC students and alumni, and on the programs offered, visit tstc.edu.