【Article by EMI Resource Center】

On November 23, 2024, the NCCU EMI Resource Center successfully held an English mock interview. This event was also supported by the ETP program, College of Commerce. The session was hosted by Dr. William Chien-wei Yang, who invited five distinguished NCCU alumni with extensive professional expertise and career experience to serve as interviewers. These included Ms. Jenny Chang, Partner Executive at Agoda; Ms. Ellie Chen, System Engineer at GSS; Mr. Willie Chen, Assistant Vice President at DBS; Mr. Roger Huang, M&A Advisory at Turn Capital; and Mr. Ken Yang, Business Consultant at McKinsey Taipei. They simulated realistic workplace interview scenarios tailored to the students' resumes and backgrounds, providing in-depth and actionable feedback. Professor Siaw-Fong Chung, the Director of the EMI Resource Center, attended the event in person to express her gratitude to the interviewers by presenting certificates of appreciation to acknowledge their invaluable contributions.

This mock interview was a crucial part of the Bilingualism and Workplace Applications and Advanced Commercial Oral Training courses, designed to bridge classroom learning and real-world practice, preparing students to face future professional challenges. Taught by Dr. Yang, the course covers topics such as workplace communication, personal branding, and entrepreneurial proposals. Students learn how to craft resumes and cover letters, master interview techniques, and structure their responses to behavioral questions. Prior to the event, students spent weeks writing personal statements and conducting in-depth research on their chosen career paths. They received feedback from both peers and instructors, equipping them to excel in the mock interview session.

On the day of the event, the atmosphere was both intense and engaging. A total of 26 students were divided into three groups based on their interests and career goals. Each group participated in themed interview sessions conducted simultaneously in three classrooms. Each session lasted approximately 15 minutes, with one or two interviewers assigned to each room to provide evaluation and guidance. To create an authentic interview experience, all students wore formal attire and brought their resumes, entering the rooms one by one for their interviews. After each session, the interviewers provided immediate and detailed feedback on resume improvements, interview techniques, and career planning, helping students gain clarity on their future directions.

The event was open to faculty and students across disciplines for observation, fostering learning and collaboration. Observers expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to witness the challenges and demands of the job-seeking process. They also gained valuable insights from the interviewers’ feedback, which will enhance their ability to provide targeted and effective guidance for students' career planning.

Students who participated in the mock interviews gave the event high praise, noting that the interaction with industry experts pushed them to step out of their comfort zones. They faced unexpected questions and received invaluable advice, which boosted their confidence for future real-life interviews. Many students reported a clearer understanding of how to highlight their strengths and map out their career paths after reflecting on the feedback received.

Observers, including both teachers and students, noted that the event deepened their understanding of the challenges students face in the job market and inspired them to refine their teaching and advising methods. They emphasized the importance of integrating real-world professional experience into teaching practices, which not only enriches students' learning but also equips them to navigate future workplace challenges with confidence.

This mock interview event not only successfully bridged the gap between the classroom and the workplace but also highlighted the profound value of the ‘Bilingual and Workplace Applications’ course in cultivating students' comprehensive skills. It was a milestone event for the NCCU EMI Resource Center, fostering both student development and the broader academic community's understanding of career guidance.

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