About CAPD Mock Interviews and DesignExpo
Students and recent graduates from the College of Architecture, Planning and Design have an edge in launching their careers, thanks to the strong partnerships CAPD has forged with K-State’s Career and Employment Services, alumni and top firms around the country.
In 1991, CES invited CAPD faculty and student representatives to form a committee to plan a college-wide Mock Interview day that would better prepare students for actual interviews and interaction with employers. From a modest beginning of seven regional firms and 70 interviews, today’s Mock Interviews now attract firms from both coasts as well as those in the Midwest. Employer representatives welcome this opportunity to preview upcoming interns and graduates, as well as to renew campus connections. Students get to research, select and extend invitations to firms located in geographical areas and engaged in types of work in which they are interested.
An average of 15 firms now attend Mock Interview day in the fall and conduct approximately 120 interviews with fourth- and fifth-year as well as post-baccalaureate graduate students. A series of resume workshops and critiques, along with a portfolio panel and exhibit, offer even first-year students opportunities to learn how to present their experience and education in a professional format.
While the purpose of Mock Interviews remains as providing a realistic job interview experience, the resulting interaction often results in real job contacts and opportunities.
The buoyant economy of the late ‘90s found firms eager to
recruit at K-State. To better handle the numerous requests for on-campus
interviews, CAPD built the original Mock Interview committee into an expanded
planning group, and in 2000 DesignExpo was initiated. That first DesignExpo attracted 42 participating
firms and businesses. During the intervening years, the number of participating
firms has steadily risen, culminating in 2008 with a whopping 142 participating
employers scheduled on two different dates.
Held annually in February, DesignExpo provides employers the chance to
meet and gain exposure to more than 500 CAPD students as well as those in related
majors at K-State. Employers may also schedule post-event interviews with
students for summer, intern or career positions.
Mock Interviews and DesignExpo meet the needs of students, alumni and employers as they seek to find the right employment match.
To be added to the Mock Interview employer waitlist or the DesignExpo employer registration information mailing list, contact Diane Potts, 785.532.1090.