The Industrial Engineering Department hosted its Annual Mock Interviews Feb. 23-25, virtually. This is the second year for the event to be held virtually. All participants agreed going virtual did not detract from the event, but added depth instead.

Mock interviews went virtual last fall for the first time due to COVID-19. The event is co-managed by the Industrial Engineering Department and the Arkansas Academy of Industrial Engineering (AAIE). Students hone their interview skills and receive valuable feedback prior to the career fair, with help from alumni and industry partners.

"With changes in the workplace since the beginning of the pandemic, job interviews for the students graduating in the near future will likely be virtual," said Edward Pohl, head of the Department of Industrial Engineering. "Students taking part in the virtual mock interviews get the opportunity to see what that process will be like and some practice for future success."

Students met with industry volunteers via platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams for interviews. During the discussions, students were given direction, suggestions and advice on communication and improving their interview skills, as well as pointers for refining their resumes.

Volunteer interviewer and alumnus Tarek Taha (BSIE '91, MSIE '93), who is a senior director, engineering at J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., said the process allows him to give back to his alma mater.

"It's a privilege to participate in AAIE mock interviews each year as it allows me give back to the department that launched my career," Taha said. "Playing a small role in helping these engineers land great jobs is truly an honor."

Master's student, Namita Balani found the interviews helpful in calming pre-interview nerves:

"I enjoy participating in the Industrial Engineering mock interviews because it is an excellent way to work through pre-interview nerves in an informal setting," Belani said. "It is also an excellent way to meet and network with industry professionals and learn more about their companies and the roles they hold."

Alumnus John True, (BSIE '03), engineering manager with CenterPoint Energy, said the event gives him the chance to have honest discussions with the students.

Clockwise from left: Quinn Salverson, a senior industrial engineering major, meets with Tarek Taha, a member of the AAIE, and Karen Jewell, president of the AAIE, for a mock interview.

"AAIE's active alumni group continues to host this event because we remember the challenges that we faced as we prepared to graduate from the U of A's Industrial Engineering department," True said. "Mock interviews provide a great opportunity for students to have honest discussions with hiring professionals about the interview process. By pivoting our previous format to a 'virtual' environment, it allows students to feel better prepared for how many companies have changed their interview formats."

The department plans to hold another round of mock interviews in the fall.