First Job Interview: Carina Wetekam's Big Step with 'Professional Mentors'
A 10th grader, Carina Wetekam, from Gustav-Heinemann-Realschule, is embarking on her first job interview experience. This opportunity is made possible by the 'Professional Mentors' project, which has been supporting young people in finding apprenticeships since 2008. The project is currently seeking more volunteers from the city to mentor young people in various sectors.
Carina's interview is being conducted by Bernhard Boss and Ernst Blömeke, professional mentors with extensive experience. The project currently supports 21 young people, most of whom are already in apprenticeships. These young individuals are students in the final phase of their studies or young professionals in energy and water sectors, master students of communication science, and participants in programs like BCG Platinion's Pride Talent Mentoring for diverse career support in IT strategy consulting.
The mentors help with career orientation, job applications, internships, apprenticeships, and interview preparation. They evaluate the candidate's appearance and understanding of the job profile, providing honest feedback and tips. In 'Tandems for a Time', professional mentors also support young people, often with migration or refugee backgrounds, in their transition from school to work. The training helps young people correct unrealistic expectations and alleviate fears about job applications.
Carina's first job interview is a significant step in her career journey, made possible by the dedicated support of the 'Professional Mentors' project. The project's expansion, seeking more volunteers from the city, aims to provide similar opportunities to more young people, helping them navigate the complexities of the job market and achieve their career goals.