Alumni volunteers conduct PA student mock interviews

Twenty-six physician assistant students in their clinical year recently completed mock interviews with Center for Career Design staff and physician assistant program alumni.

Alumni Relations was thrilled to have seven physician assistant alumni volunteer their time and experience to help conduct these interviews.

“We are tremendously grateful for the seven alumni who dedicated their time and talent to this experience for the students,” said Lori A. Boos, alumni and career engagement manager. “There is no substitute for the practical insights and real-world experience our students gain directly from those who have successfully been in their shoes."

The mock interviews are part of program requirements, which also include workshops and presentations from Career Services staff covering essential areas like resume and curriculum vitae writing, interview tips and tricks, and salary negotiation and relocation costs.

Career Services staff will again connect with the graduate students in the spring semester to host a Physician Assistant Employer Recruitment Day and an etiquette dinner with the theme “eating and interviewing.”

“By connecting our graduate students with the Center for Career Design’s staff, resources and alumni network, we empower them to strengthen essential skills in professional communication, networking and career preparation,” said Lizze R. Winters, career and professional programming manager. “Our goal is to help students recognize how the competencies they develop in classrooms, laboratories and clinical settings seamlessly translate into the world of work as health care providers. We always look forward to this annual collaboration with our PA program staff, students and alumni.”

Alumni volunteers:

• Bryan M. Bilbao ’22
• Gabrielle E. Moore Huff ’22
• Sammy Esposito ’17
• Curtis R. Gehman ’18
• Nicole P. Knight ’09
• Olalekan Lanre Showunmi ’22
• DeAnn Hansum ’14