Students at Mesquite High School recently participated in activities aimed at preparing them for future careers by connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences. The events, organized through partnerships with local industry professionals, offered students opportunities to develop job skills and explore potential career paths.
One of the main events was a mock interview process that simulated real hiring scenarios. Students underwent elimination rounds before the top five candidates were selected for one-on-one interviews. Judges, who all had professional interview experience, provided feedback and awarded placements from first to fifth place. Advanced passes allowed promising students to continue even after being eliminated in earlier rounds.
For many students, it was their first time participating in a formal interview setting. Lizzy, a junior at Mesquite High, said, “I have never interviewed, so this was my first experience. It helped with nerves, and I got good feedback, preparing us to be ready for the real world.”
Nicole Charmoli, Foundation and Community Impact Manager for the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the value of these programs: “It gives students opportunities to practice skills and gain experience in how to interview — and connects business leaders to our upcoming workforce.”
Brian Riley, Director of Sales for Best Option Restoration and one of the judges at the event, added: “Anything we can do to prepare the kids for what’s about to come is important, and we are here to encourage them to connect with the many opportunities available to them in Arizona.”
In addition to mock interviews, students from Mesquite’s Career & Technical Education Agriscience and Cabinetmaking programs took part in an industry tour with Concord Contracting. They visited both corporate offices and an active job site where they learned about different roles such as construction, engineering, project management, administration, accounting, marketing, and safety.
Jen Rehse of Concord Contracting said about these experiences: “We need quality workers who want to be in the construction industry. Experiences like this give students a lightbulb moment about where they might fit. When students leave with confidence and purpose, it strengthens the future workforce.”
A senior student reflected on the visit: “You notice the things you can’t capture on paper, and it makes the whole experience more real.”
Additional information about how Gilbert Public Schools prepares its students for careers can be found at GilbertSchools.net.
