Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

Adam Hoffman took away plenty from a practice virtual interview with an alum — notes on his skills, a new connection and, most impressively, an internship.

“It was exciting because I think he realized the value of doing these mock interviews despite his interview experience,” said Kaitlyn (Tunney) Redmond ’15, Hoffman’s interviewer and vice president of strategy and experience manager for PNC Treasury Management. “I not only got to coach him in the interview, but I also got to help, hopefully, kick-start his career.”

Hoffman completed the assignment as a requirement for BIZ 202 Career Flight Takeoff. The class is designed to help School of Business Administration sophomores prepare for internships. They receive direct feedback from professionals on their resumes and interview skills, and they also add highlights to their resumes through involvement with campus organizations and volunteering.

By introducing these job-hunting components before their junior year, students learn best practices ahead of the internship search cycle. Hoffman, a transfer student taking the course as a junior, was not new to networking and interviewing, but still found the timing to be just right as he began looking for a summer internship.

“Practicing anything is important to get good at it,” said Hoffman. “I was really excited to have the chance to not only practice, but network with Kaitlyn and other professionals as well.”

Mock interviews were a key experience in the course, and administrators knew the interview had to be as close to a real-world experience as possible to make it applicable and effective.

“Most of our students interview virtually for internships and full-time jobs, so we wanted to prepare them with basic interviewing skills and those necessary to excel in virtual interviews,” said Marsha Keune, senior associate dean. “We knew our Flyer alumni would give our students an extra advantage in practice interviews, but we had to find a platform to make it possible.”

Because of the flexibility of the SBA Dean’s Fund for Excellence, administrators were able to purchase Eventus, an online event platform, so students could schedule and execute their interviews. The result was more opportunities for employers and students — and an internship for Hoffman.

It also helped alumni nationwide quickly and easily volunteer. A total of 123 alumni working for companies like Wells Fargo, EY and PwC volunteered 350 hours for practice interviews.

“I’m a hiring manager, so when I found out UD was hosting this opportunity, I was all about it,” Redmond said. “I think it’s valuable for students to have the exposure before interviewing for internships. To be a part of that and share what I’ve learned was really important to me.”

Alumni support has consistently played a key role in how the University makes a difference, and last year’s One Day, One Dayton gifts to the SBA Dean’s Fund for Excellence will ensure that future student interviewees will always be prepared and confident in presenting themselves professionally on video.

“As a student, I don't think there’s anything I could be more grateful for than alumni who’ve walked in my shoes and are now willing to help me succeed,” said Hoffman.