Auburn, Ala. (EETV)— As part of Auburn University’s Homecoming Week, students participated in an insightful interview workshop hosted by Miss Auburn, Grace Crim.
The event, held on Wednesday, brought together a diverse group of leaders to offer students valuable advice on navigating career-oriented interviews and building professional skills.
The panel featured several prominent figures, including Auburn’s Student Government Association (SGA) President Jack Hilton, Miss Alabama Abbie Stockard, Medical Clinic Director Dr. Fred Kam, Secretary Jon Waggoner and Executive Director for Career Development Erica Stallings.
Each panelist provided a unique perspective on key aspects of career preparation, leadership, and personal development.
SGA President Jack Hilton opened the event by discussing how his various leadership roles on campus have shaped his communication and interview skills.
“Finding that deep-rooted community in some organization and then another organization could be the same one, but maybe another one where you can really see yourself getting sharp career-wise,” Hilton said.
Miss Alabama Abbie Stockard focused on the importance of authenticity and preparation in interviews. As a state representative in the Miss America Organization, her experiences provided students with a fresh perspective on how to present themselves confidently and stay true to their values during formal interviews.
Medical Clinic Director Dr. Fred Kam offered a unique angle by emphasizing the role that health and wellness play in career success. He encouraged students to prioritize their mental and physical health, explaining how maintaining a healthy lifestyle can directly impact their ability to perform well in interviews and other professional settings.
Secretary Jon Waggoner discussed the significance of networking and mentorship, urging students to seek out connections with faculty, peers, and professionals who can guide them through their career journeys.
“There’s a great book called ‘The Question Behind the Question’, and the preface of the book is that when people ask a question, often they're not wanting to know the answer to the question they're asking you; they're asking you about something else,” Waggoner said.
Erica Stallings, Executive Director for Career Development, finished the panel by offering a detailed overview of the resources available through Auburn University’s Career Center.
The workshop concluded with an open Q&A session, where panelists provided tailored feedback and shared more personal stories about their professional journeys.
