Did Real Experts Join the Mock Interview?... Silla University Department of Social Welfare Offers RISE-Based Practical Mock Interview Job Support

"We had interviews with real field experts."

Silla University (President Heo Namsik) announced on the 26th that its Department of Social Welfare implemented a mock interview program to strengthen the employment competencies of graduating students.

The department recently gathered around 70 soon-to-be graduates in an environment closely resembling the actual field. To enhance the sense of real-world experience during interviews, the department invited directors and senior managers from social welfare organizations as professional interviewers and conducted the "Employment Competency Enhancement Mock Interview Program."

This program was designed to foster specialized social service professionals in connection with the local community, in line with the objectives of the Busan-type RISE project. Interview questions and evaluation criteria focused on problem-solving skills, empathy and communication abilities, and case management-all of which are demanded in the field of social welfare. This provided students with a systematic opportunity to assess their field-oriented job preparation.

Silla University Department of Social Welfare conducting mock interviews for graduating students.

The interviewers included Yoo Soonjung, Director of Jangseon General Social Welfare Center; Lee Hyeyoung, Director of Busan Metropolitan City Temporary Youth Shelter; Cho Mijin, Deputy Director of Dongnae General Social Welfare Center; and Jeong Seungmyung, Manager of Dongnae-gu Senior Welfare Center. They conducted the interviews in the same manner as actual recruitment interviews. After each interview, the interviewers offered real-time feedback to each student, specifically pointing out their strengths and areas for improvement.

Through this mock interview, students were able to reduce their anxiety during the interview process and review effective ways to convey their experiences and competencies. In addition, receiving evaluations from external experts helped them set a direction for their job search, thereby increasing their employment prospects.

Jung Sujeong, Head of the Department of Social Welfare at Silla University, stated, "In social welfare, understanding and attitude toward the field are more important than theory," and added, "This mock interview is a process for students to assess themselves from the perspective of actual organizations."

Hwang Inju, Head of the RISE Project Group, emphasized, "This program is a practical example of the community-linked employment support model that RISE aims for in the field of social welfare. We will continue to expand field-oriented employment programs to nurture specialized social service professionals needed by the region."