Just before Spring Break, students in Mrs. Coughlin’s Personal Finance class completed mock interviews including resume writing and wearing professional attire for their interviews.
“Students researched various jobs, including the entry level and median pay,” shared Mrs. Coughlin. “They learned to write a resume and researched the basics of a job interview. They even got some tips on dressing for an interview from Men’s Wearhouse. They were required to dress professionally and bring a copy of their resume to the mock interview.”
To prepare for the mock interviews, students practiced answering a list of potential interview questions in pairs the day before. They greeted Mrs. Coughlin, the interviewer, with a handshake and eye contact while introducing themselves.
“Students learn by doing, so in making this a school assignment they needed to literally dress the part of a job applicant,” continued Mrs. Coughlin. “They created their own resumes that they can use. They know what kinds of questions will be asked, how to give a firm, but not too firm handshake, and they now know to follow up with their interviewers. This hands-on experience is invaluable to their education and making them ready for life after college. Some of the boys even got a lesson in how to tie a tie from their dads!”
This project was a culmination of studies in the class centered on entering the job market. Students have studied the importance of setting goals and tempering their expectations on what their first job would be like. Dave Ramsey, author of Financial Peace University, says most people do not like their first jobs out of college and they do not usually get paid as much as they hope. Students also spent time studying the practices of successful people like integrity, teamwork and good communication skills. They studied the Bible to see how God defines success. They each found three verses to include in their Top 10 Practices of Successful People.
“These students will need to write a resume and interview in the future, so now they have a head start,” continued Mrs. Coughlin. “In writing their resumes, I encouraged students to think about things they are doing now that would help them get a job, like volunteering in the church nursery, dog sitting or even working at SCCS’ Shop on the Corner. I hope that with this practice, they will not be as nervous when they are interviewing for jobs in the future.”
Class curriculum has already covered credit card debt and the dangers of student loans. Next, they will study how to calculate discounts to see if they really are a good deal and how to negotiate a price successfully. The class will finish the year discussing that as Christians, we should create wealth not only for ourselves, but we should be generous givers.
“I love that I can teach students about things that they will definitely encounter in the near future,” shared Mrs. Coughlin. “I am also very grateful that I can teach this class from a biblical worldview. We frequently go to God’s Word to find out how we can be good stewards of the money He has given us.”