DECATUR, Ill. -- Millikin University’s School of Education recently hosted its annual Interview Bootcamp, bringing together current student teachers and accomplished Millikin alumni for a day of mock interviews, career coaching, and professional networking.
Held in the University Commons on Feb. 24, the event provided future educators with hands-on preparation for entering the workforce while showcasing the strength of Millikin’s alumni network. The bootcamp featured an alumni panel, small-group mentoring sessions, and multiple mock interview rounds designed to build confidence and refine interview skills.
“Today is about helping our Big Blue pre-service teachers be at their best as they enter the profession,” said Dr. Chris Cunnings, Director of the School of Education, in his opening remarks. He emphasized the importance of alumni returning to support the next generation of educators and continuing Millikin’s tradition of mentorship and professional growth.
A key feature of the Interview Bootcamp is the involvement of Millikin alumni now serving as school leaders across Illinois. Alumni participants included principals, superintendents, and instructional leaders representing a range of districts and career paths.
Dr. Carrie Hruby, Superintendent of the O’Fallon Community Consolidated School District and a 1996 Millikin graduate, helped lead the event and emphasized what makes the Bootcamp unique.
“This is different from a typical job fair because we’re here to help you grow,” Hruby told the Big Blue students. “We’re rooting for you because we’re Millikin through and through. We’ll give you honest feedback and coaching so you leave better prepared for real interviews.”
By returning to campus, alumni provided students with a realistic look at the hiring process while also helping students build life-long connections as Millikin graduates.
Unlike traditional job fairs, the Bootcamp focuses on experiential learning — a hallmark of Millikin’s Performance Learning philosophy. Students rotated through three mock interview rounds, receiving real-time feedback from administrators after each session.
Panel discussions and small-group sessions covered topics such as:
- -First-year teaching challenges
- -Differences between large and small school districts
- -Strategies for standing out in the hiring process
- -What makes a great educator and colleague
Alumni panelists shared practical advice on preparing a professional portfolio, building relationships, and maintaining a strong professional presence both in person and online.
Throughout the day, students had opportunities to network during informal discussions, resume critiques, and shared meals with alumni. These moments allowed future educators to build meaningful relationships and learn from professionals who once stood in their shoes.
The event also highlighted the wide-range of paths in the educational field, with alumni sharing how careers can expand from classroom teaching into leadership roles such as principals, district administrators, and instructional specialists.
