Riverland Agricultural and Food Science Technology Club

On Jan. 31 the Riverland Agricultural and Food Science Technology Club hosted a mock interview event.

Ag, food science technology and cosmetology students collaborated with local business employers to receive training on writing a proper resume and receive critiques on them.

Employers asked questions similar to a real interview, students were asked to find a job listing similar to a career they’d be interested in, prepare a cover letter and resume. Students also conducted three mock 15-minute interview sessions with each employer. At the conclusion of each session, each employer provided constructive feedback, advice on how to improve interview skills, preparing a resume and cover letter and answering behavioral-based questions.

“It was a great experience. I never had this type of training before. I hope to use the experience to receive an internship,” said Hayley Wedin, club secretary.

Club adviser Nick Schiltz hopes to expand on the event for next year.

“The Riverland Ag and Food Science Technology Club’s mock interview event is an event that provides value to not only our agricultural and food science technology students, but students across the college as a whole,” he said. “Each student, regardless of degree specialization, will need to have a resume crafted and scrutinized, as well as training on preparing cover letters. Most importantly, they will need to be able to speak with employers and sell themselves confidently on their background and passion for the chosen career they are pursuing.”

Employers involved with the mock interview event included United Way of Mower County, Hormel Foods, Farmers State Bank of Hartland/Albert Lea/Freeborn and Mower County Soil Water and Conservation District.

Follow the Riverland Community College Agricultural and Food Science Technology Club on Facebook. Contact Schiltz at nick.schiltz@riverland.edu or club reporter Ali Hagen at akhagen22@hotmail.com for more information.