25 Danville Students Participate in AspHIRE Mock Interview Day
On April 25, 2025, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) hosted the AspHIRE Mock Interview Day, providing a valuable opportunity for 25 high school students from Danville Public Schools to develop and refine their interview and workplace readiness skills. This event, part of the region’s effort to connect students to local career opportunities, was supported by IALR with additional support from local employers and professionals who volunteered their time.
Students participated in a series of mock interviews with local professionals, gaining insight into the expectations and nuances of the interview process. These hands-on experiences gave students a real-world understanding of the job application process, helping them to build confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce.
These Danville Public Schools students have applied for summer internships through the Danville Summer Experience Works Internship Program.
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A Day of Learning and Networking
In addition to the mock interviews, students engaged in work-readiness sessions covering important topics such as professionalism, time management, communication and personal branding. The event also included a networking luncheon, where students had the chance to meet and interact with local professionals and peers, further expanding their professional network.
“The AspHIRE Mock Interview Day continues to help students develop the skills necessary for success in the workplace,” said Jessie Vernon, Director of Employer Engagement and Experiential Learning at IALR. “We’re proud to support these students as they prepare for their careers and look forward to seeing the impact this experience has on their future professional journeys.”
AspHIRE Mock Interview Day is part of IALR’s ongoing efforts to provide career readiness opportunities through its EmPOWER framework. By connecting students with local professionals and offering hands-on learning experiences, IALR is helping to equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in today’s workforce.
