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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Nearly 50 sophomores and juniors in the Pathways in Technology Early College High School, or P-TECH, program had the opportunity to polish their skills during a mock interview with a panel of Aberdeen Proving Ground professionals at the Mallette Training Facility March 13, 2025.
P-TECH Coordinator Cassandra “Casi” Boyer, a human resources specialist with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command’s G1 - Human Resources, Human Capital Division, said the students were told they were interviewing for an information technology specialist position. The goal was to provide the P-TECH students with a near-real federal job interview experience.
The students who participated in the mock interviews came dressed for success and prepared with their resumes. The panel asked the students a set of common interview questions and then gave them immediate feedback.
A junior P-TECH student, Kate Robinson, highlighted her leadership and educational experience during her mock interview. Robinson, who participated in the mock interview session as a sophomore, said she is eager to improve her skills and build her confidence. Robinson said she enjoys working with children and is considering joining the Army after high school.
“I got a job over the summer, using the interview skills I learned here,” Robinson said about her experience being hired as a student instructor at a camp focusing on drone soccer. This program gives students the opportunity to learn to fly open-source aircraft as a team.
Another sophomore student, Jalissa Creer, also recommended the mock interview experience.
“From the mock interview, I gained the experience of being able to talk to people for the first time in a professional environment,” she said. “I was able to write a resume based on my past experiences and showcase myself to mentors. I was given feedback on how I performed and was given the chance to improve with a second interview.”
Michael Dow, a security specialist with the CECOM Integrated Logistics Support Center, said giving the students a baseline on what is expected for an interview is essential. He added that the mock interview provided a safe space for the students to practice their responses, improve their body language, and increase their confidence.
“It was a great opportunity for them to get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” he said.
Kirsten Whiting, CECOM-G1, called the experience rewarding. She enjoyed interacting with the younger generation and giving them advice based on her professional experiences.
“It was interesting to see how the newer generation is doing and how they are preparing for interviews, as opposed to comparing it to my own experience,” she said. “It restores your hope; the future is in good hands.”
Sterling Rapposelli, a cybersecurity evaluator with the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Center who serves as a P-TECH mentor, said he wants to give back because he benefited from mentors and the Pathways Internship Program in the early stages of his career.
Boyer commended the students for stepping outside their comfort zone.
“I am very proud of each of these students,” Boyer said. “They worked hard to prepare for these interviews, and they clearly gained confidence as a result. My hope is that our students continue to grow in that confidence and choose to join us one day for a career protecting our nation through public service.”
About the P-TECH program
The P-TECH program combines the best elements of high school, college, and work-based learning. Students are immersed in high school and college courses while working in the field of computer information systems or cybersecurity. The program empowers students to pursue advanced education and to be financially successful in a global economy. The program is offered at Joppatowne High School in partnership with Harford Community College and CECOM on APG, offering students paid internships and individualized mentorship throughout their educational journey. Any Harford County rising ninth grader can apply to the program.
For more photos, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/albums/72177720324520900
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