Knox College alumni offered job-search and other career-related advice to current students during an evening of mock interviews and networking, organized by the Bastian Family Career Center and the Alumni Relations Office.

The event, which has become a traditional part of Knox's Homecoming week, consisted of mock job interviews for juniors and seniors who signed up in advance and a networking reception open to all Knox students who wanted to connect with alumni.

Jordan Anderson '19 said he decided to participate in the interviews with alumni because "you're talking to people who've already made it." Anderson interviewed with Steve Walton '74 and Mary Fasbender '71 for a mock position as a sports management specialist.

"They can tell you what it was like and how they got there," added Anderson, who has a self-designed major in communications and sports management. "It only makes sense to take advantage of these opportunities."

Reshma Rajan '19 said the experience of going through a mock job interview "made me really think about what I want to put forward and exude."

Students agreed that in future job interviews, they will apply what they learned from alumni. Dana Brown '19 said her interview with Diane Newell '85, for a mock position as an associate creative marketing director, helped her realize not to be too nervous. In addition, Brown said that Newell "spoke about the point of being precise, and being able to speak clearly and fluently—that the best interviews were conversations."

Alumni said they enjoyed being back on campus to talk with students about potential careers and job-search skills.

"I think one way of helping out is telling them about my experience so that they can avoid mistakes that I've made," said Maurice Harris '08.

Casey Jones '87 said he participated in the interviews because "I've always believed in Knox, from the day I stepped on campus."

Photos at top of page and below: Alumni and students mingle at mock interviews and a networking reception.