Auburn College of Education’s EAGLES program teams with area businesses for mock interview fair

For a group of Auburn University EAGLES students, Friday, April 8, was a chance to learn skills that could lead to fulfilling jobs and careers.

Through the College of Education program’s Expanding EAGLES initiative, several Auburn students with intellectual disabilities were able to experience job interviews at the inaugural EAGLES Mock Interview Fair at the program’s new headquarters at Foy Hall. EAGLES program staff collaborated with the Auburn Chamber of Commerce’s Auburn Young Professionals, or AYP, to bring in representatives from seven businesses and organizations for the event.

EAGLES students had the chance to interview with professionals from the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, City of Auburn, Auburn-Opelika Tourism, Allstate Insurance, Summer Village, Safe Spray and SS&L Architects. They learned valuable lessons about the interview process and tips for success in securing employment.

“The interview experience this morning will help me have a new chapter in my book,” said EAGLES sophomore D’Vonte Morris.

The interview fair provided students with the chance to participate in interviews representative of ones they will experience when securing employment.

“The interview experience not only provided the EAGLES with a real-world interview experience, it instilled confidence in their abilities and employment journey,” said EAGLES Employment Coordinator Lauren Ozment. “The Auburn Young Professionals were engaging and provided specific feedback for each student. Both the employers and EAGLES benefited from experience, and we were thrilled to advocate for Disability Awareness in the workplace with so many incredible, local businesses.”

Participating in the interview fair was a top-quality occasion for area businesses and organizations to promote community outreach and connect with the EAGLES program, which is part of the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling, or SERC.

“Having the opportunity to participate in the mock interviews with the EAGLES program gave me insight into how the Auburn business community can create opportunities for these students to thrive after college,” said AYP Program Coordinator Katie Murray. “Hearing the students talk about their interests and how they can make my office better was a breath of fresh air and reminded me that the world is a beautiful place full of opportunities for all.”

A comprehensive transition program, or CTP, EAGLES, or “Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success,” is a non-degree program focusing on academic enrichment, the teaching of personal and social skills, independent living skills, health and wellness enhancement and integrated work experiences. It has grown to 18 students this year and will welcome nine freshmen in the fall.