The value of having a Fortune 500 company in the neighborhood was in clear evidence today for 37 students from across Michigan’s Great Southwest as they were able to test their mettle in a series of mock interviews thanks to volunteers at Whirlpool Corporation.
If you’re going to hone your interviewing skills, knowing that the job application process can make or break your chances for a bright future, who better to learn from than world class employees at the top of their own game.
Earlier today, Wednesday, April 25th, some 37 students from the Kinexus Bridge Academy and Benton Harbor, Hartford, Dowagiac Union and Ross Beatty High Schools participated in a half day of mock interviews and workplace tours with the help of 18 Whirlpool Corporation volunteers.
The occasion was today’s 8th Annual Mock Interview Day, a partnership between Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) and Whirlpool Corporation’s Employee Resource Group FOCUS. The event provided students opportunities to test their interview skills and receive valuable feedback from those Whirlpool employees. The ongoing partnership between the two organizations is part of a long-term strategy to develop the youth talent pipeline in Southwest Michigan.
Whirlpool volunteers, many returning from previous Mock Interview Day collaborations, represented a variety of business units. Most importantly for the students engaged in today’s action, the volunteers provided critical feedback and helped those students develop self-improvement plans for future interviews. Additionally, the students learned about entry-level opportunities within the company as well as pathways for career growth.
Guest Speaker Camille Pierce, Senior Director, Global Diversity and Inclusion at Whirlpool, challenged students to learn from their experiences. Ms. Pierce noted, “No matter what you do in life, there is always something to learn. Grow from it and use the feedback to be successful in future experiences.” She encouraged students to maintain positive attitudes, excel in their given situations, and cultivate strong relationships as they transition from high school to their career goals.
De’Asia, a JMG student at the Kinexus Bridge Academy expressed gratitude for the opportunity saying, “Attending Mock Interview Day was really beneficial. I was given real world feedback on how to improve my skills that will help me prepare for an official interview.”
Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates, the leading program of Youth Solutions, Inc. is on a mission to equip students with the skills to win in education, employment, and as citizens in order to ensure a workforce that is prepared to meet the needs of Michigan employers. With world headquarters right here in Southwest Michigan and a labor force exceeding 3,000 local employees, Whirlpool and FOCUS, have been significant partners in that effort.
Jan Ennis, Sr. Director of Engagement for Youth Solutions, addressing both the event and the partnership says, “Today’s event provides our students the opportunity to see how their talents fit with such a diverse and inclusive organization such as Whirlpool. Spending time with Whirlpool employees at the Riverview Campus shows our local students they can pursue a meaningful career at home in Michigan’s Great Southwest.”
Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates is the premiere program of Youth Solutions, Inc. a statewide non-profit organization equipping youth with the skills to overcome barriers and win in education, employment, and as citizens. JMG delivers employability and education services to more than 2,950 young people across 40+ cities. Their ranks include 510 students right here in Southwest Michigan. For more information about Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates and Youth Solutions, Inc. or to become a partner, visit online at www.ouryouthsolutions.org, follow along on Twitter at JobsforMIGrads, or “like” them on Facebook at JobsforMichigansGraduates.
