MC hosts employer interview panel

When students walk into their first job interviews, many difficult questions await them. To give Maryville College students the knowledge needed to be successful in interviewing situations, the Center for Calling and Career (CCC), in conjunction with Dr. Kelly Battles and Dr. Phillip Sherman, hosted an employer interview panel on Oct. 23 in Lambert Recital Hall.

The panel consisted of Gene Crabtree from 21st Mortgage Corporation, Lisa Hood Skinner from Ackermann PR, Winona Dubberley from Newell Rubbermaid and Rachel Carvell from Y-12 National Security Complex. The discussion was guided by Dr. Rusty Winchester, director of discernment at the CCC. Panel members described the behaviors and skills they look for during interviews, particularly for entry-level jobs. Topics ranged from being knowledgeable about the company, to avoiding inappropriate dress and cell phone use.

The event was open to the MC campus and students representing a variety of majors attended. Hannah Fry, a junior mathematics major, said she enjoyed learning from the panel members.

“I think it was extremely informative,” Fry said. “They told me things that I probably never would have thought of doing or not doing.” Junior English literature major Samantha Wilson attended the event as part of Humanities 347: Research and Professional Issues.

“It was great to see the different personalities of interviewers,” Wilson said. “It pointed out the importance of judging the character of your interviewer and how you should act based on their personality.” Students were able to walk away from the employee interview panel with information about job interviews, resumes and useful skills for employment. “It’s preparing us for life after college,” Wilson said. “I think students benefit greatly from these types of programs.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *