MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Local business leaders representing the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce conducted mock interviews Thursday with cadets at the Youth ChallenGE Academy (YCA).

The YCA focuses on at-risk youth by providing a disciplined and structured environment modeled after the military. It is a voluntary 17-month dropout recovery program that helps young men and women earn their high school diploma or GED. The YCA teaches cadets life skills, prepares them to enter the workforce, military or college, and aims to show cadets how to become productive citizens. 

“The mock interviews are an extremely important component in preparing our cadets to get a job after graduation,” said YCA Director William Bailey. “We are very grateful to the Chamber and their volunteers for supporting our program this way.” 

The business leaders conducting the interviews represented various local businesses including BB&T, Georgia Power, Holiday Inn Express and Erin Andrews Media. 

“I feel that we need to make sure the youth of today have the right tools they need to be successful in the workforce,” said Pamela Jackson, who represented the Holiday Inn Express. 

Jackson suggested that cadets practice their presentation beforehand with family, friends or simply in front of a mirror. Her advice to cadets included the top pet-peeve of most employers-always be on time. 

The interviewers were given a set of questions to use but were free to ask whatever they felt appropriate. Constructive feedback after each interview was encouraged.

BB&T Branch Manager Darlene Thompson introduced herself to a room full of cadets and explained the importance of projecting confidence during an interview. 

“You need to walk in holding your head up, make eye contact, and introduce yourself with a firm handshake,” said Thompson. “Also speak clearly so that everyone can hear you.” 

Cadets seemed eager to participate in the mock interviews. They were asked about previous employment, strengths and weaknesses, and goals for the future. Many told the volunteers about jobs they had held before entering the YCA and how they handled interviews previously. 

“When an employer asks you to tell them something about yourself, you should always talk about your strengths and positive experience,” added Thompson. “You can give a bit of personal information but always make it about something that would benefit the company you are applying to.” 

YCA Deputy Director Amber Kaufman expressed her gratitude for the volunteers.

“We appreciate the local business leaders taking time to participate in this skill building exercise for our cadets. It is our goal to prepare them to be successful in their lives after the Academy and finding employment is one of the most important achievements they can undertake,” she said.