Across BCC, schools are working with students to create a resume and practice interview skills. Some schools cover these workplace readiness skills in a careers class, others in senior seminar or work-based learning. However the approach, the unwavering opinion is that students gain valuable experience when paired with a local professional for a mock interview.

On the flip side, business professionals and local employers appreciate participating in mock interviews as a low-stakes opportunity to meet the upcoming talent.

"It helps us keep our HR professionals keep sharp in our interview questions."

"I invited one of the seniors I met to visit my store after graduation to interview for a real job starting in summer."

"I get to meet young talent and gauge how serious they are to the field before they leave for college. Then I already have a relationship with them and bring them here during summer for an internship before they are snagged by a competitor."