More than 500 high school students showed up ready to interview, network, and land real job opportunities at this year’s “Mock It Till You Rock It” event, held March 31 at the Las Cruces Convention Center.
It was a collaboration between LCPS, the City of Las Cruces, and America’s Job Center, which is held each year to help prepare students for their future in the workforce. Participants have the opportunity to practice the interview process multiple times in a supportive environment led by local businesses and organizations throughout Doña Ana County.
More than 100 local professionals conducted mock interviews across a wide range of career fields, including medical, public works, social services, agriculture, real estate, culinary, construction, military, trades and more. Interviewers worked to create a comfortable and encouraging atmosphere while providing valuable feedback to help students better market themselves for the careers they want. Volunteers were also available to conduct interviews in Spanish, ensuring accessibility for all participants.
“We asked students to complete at least two interviews today, but some are going through four or five because they’re enjoying the experience so much,” said Rachel Knight, Career Specialist and Work-Based Learning Teacher at LCPS and Executive Director of the New Mexico Career & Technical Education Association.
Students who have graduated from LCPS and are enrolled in the 18–21-year-old program were also invited to participate, giving them the opportunity to refine their resumes and complete multiple rounds of interviews.
In addition to interview stations, the event featured resume-building assistance and a professional headshot area. Students like Avallon Jaure, a sophomore at Rio Grande Preparatory Institute (RGPI) were eager for the experience, speaking with multiple professionals and asking questions to gain as much practice as possible. After each interview, students received a feedback form to help them improve and build confidence for future opportunities.
“Not many high school students get to have an experience like this,” said Avallon Jaure, 10th grader at Rio Grande Preparatory Institute. “We get to practice how to communicate and ask questions, and you can also get hired here, which I think is really great.”
A closet filled with professional clothing, sponsored by Nusenda Credit Union in Las Cruces as part of the “Dress For Success” initiative, was also available to students. Participants could select attire to help them look and feel their best during interviews.
The experience wasn’t just for practice, many students even landed internships by the end of the day.
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