By Caitlin Antonios
- Scripps community members help students succeed by giving their time and expertise to mentor others through mock interviews organized by Scripps’ Career Planning and Resources.
Job interview nerves can be paralyzing—sweaty palms, a bouncing knee, the discomfort of stiff soles. Scripps’ Office of Career Planning and Resources (CP&R) Emerging Professionals Program (EPP) prepares students for that very moment so instead of paralysis, they’re ready to showcase their strengths to potential employers.
EPP is only possible because of the volunteers who dedicate their time to Scripps. This spring, 15 volunteers conducted three rounds of two-hour practice interviews with students. For some participants, it was their first time having to find professional clothing.
“We help students tell their story, know what ‘business professional’ looks like—we have free blazers they can borrow or have—and provide space in CP&R to have future interviews,” says CP&R Assistant Director Alexis Tai.
From journalism to public health to software development, volunteers came from a range of sectors to help. Some were Scripps alums or parents; others had no prior connection to the College, but desired to help young people enter the workforce. Since its launch, EPP has helped students start careers in top industries such as finance, tech, education, and communications, with most participants landing full-time employment or pursuing postgraduate degrees after graduation.
Macy Gilroy ’27, a sociology and organizational studies double major, was paired for one interview with Anita Brown ’10, a workforce planning analytics manager at World Vision, a global nonprofit fighting poverty.
“CP&R’s mock interviews greatly built my confidence,” Gilroy says. “The opportunity to receive constructive feedback in real time offered me a chance to reflect and grow, both professionally and personally.”
Another volunteer, Kohsheen Sharma ’18, belonged to one of the first EPP cohorts. She now gives back by mentoring others.
“I found a lot of benefit connecting to other women in different career paths,” Sharma says. “I made the best friends at Scripps, and it developed how I think and see the world. Especially now that I have been working for a few years, I want to give back what I received from Scripps and EPP.”
After graduating with a degree in political science and economics, Sharma worked in private equity before moving into strategy and operations for a health tech startup. Recalling how overwhelming transitions can be, Sharma notes that networking and flexibility are key to a fulfilling and financially sustainable career.
“The biggest thing is learning to tell your story cohesively. Then you can explain anything—including a career pivot,” Sharma says.
But it’s not just about mock interviews. Volunteers are a necessary part of other career-focused training, like hosting students at their workplaces for Career Exploration Treks and supporting students by sending care packages during finals. Hosting networking pop-ups, speaking at regional engagement events, and conducting admission interviews are additional ways volunteers enrich the Scripps experience.
Adds Tai, “We owe everything to our volunteers for providing a positive experience so students can build their confidence in pitching who they are and what they have accomplished.”
Looking for ways to get involved? Click here for general volunteer opportunities.