Practice Interview Program Information for Faculty

Program Overview

The CLA Faculty understand that students learning is enhanced when students are engaged with the world of work in productive and meaninful ways. The Collaborative Research, Leadership, Education And Development (LEAD), and Study Abroad programs are examples of the CLA approach to learning. Practice Interview Program (PIP) builds on the model by providing students a practice interview opportunity with employers.

We believe that a program that combines academic and vocational reflection with interviewing strengthens students’ appreciation of their Hamline education, favorably impacts retention rates, and improves students’ readiness for employment or graduate study. Practice Interview Program is part of the Vocation and Interviewing in the Major Program (VIM) and is supported by the Theological Exploration of Vocation Program (TEVP).

Based on student evaluations, PIP is having a significant impact on improving students' interview skills, their sense of career and vocation, and appreciation of the skills they are developing in their major. Students are also gaining confidence in interviewing and are able to better articulate how their liberal arts education and skills will serve them in their chosen professional setting.

1. Identify the classes where a practice interview fits best.
2. Require your class to participate.
3. Familiarize yourself with and remind your students of the important deadlines, policies and registration procedures.  
4. Students are required to register in person at the CDC. Students must turn in a resume and job/internship description or graduate program description at the time of registration. Registration will NOT be permitted without these itme.
5. Upon completion of the interview, students will provide you with the interview evaluation form as proof of their participation. (You may need to remind them to submit the form to you along with any other assignment/reflection peice your are requiring) 
6. We recommend a reflective assignment or class activity as a follow up to your students' practice interview experience. 

Still have questions?  Please talk to faculty in departments whom are participating in PIP or talk with Rich Manke, x2302.

To sign up your class for Spring '08 PIP, please fill out the online Faculty Sign-up Form or contact Lauren Kavan x2023.  

The Practice Interview Program is scheduled twice a year, during Fall and Spring terms. Students sign up for a one hour practice interview slot and submit a resume and job description (or grad school description). During the practice interview session, alumni, employer and staff volunteers lead students through typical screening interviews and provide feedback on each student’s performance.  The one hour format also allows time for the Interviewer to provide resume and interview feedback and to give general career advice. 

PIP Syllabus

What do students have to say about their PIP experience?

Fall 2007 Practice Interview Program (PIP) Summary