Preparing Students to Enter the Workforce With Confidence

Marked for Success is a comprehensive career-readiness program designed to prepare students and adults with the professional skills, confidence, and practical experience needed to successfully navigate interviews, internships, employment opportunities, and the workplace.​

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The program combines interactive instruction, hands-on interview preparation, professional evaluation, and individualized feedback to help participants understand not only what to say in an interview, but how to present themselves as confident, prepared, and professional candidates.

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A Three-Step Approach to Career Readiness

STEP 1: Interactive Interview & Etiquette Workshops

For school districts, Ascend facilitates multiple interactive workshops designed to engage students in a hands-on and engaging introduction to:

• Interview preparation and techniques

• Professional communication

• Business and workplace etiquette

• Professional appearance and attire

• Common interview questions

• Resume development

• Workplace expectations

• Confidence and self-presentation

For larger student populations, classes can be divided into smaller groups to create an engaging environment that allows students to participate, practice, ask questions, and develop their skills.

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STEP 2: Professional Mock Interviews

Students then participate in one-on-one mock interviews with a diverse panel of professionals, including CEOs, elected officials, corporate directors, managers, business owners, and other community leaders.

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Professionals serve as interviewers at individual interview stations, giving students the opportunity to experience a realistic interview environment.

Following each interview, participants receive:

• Individualized feedback

• Constructive coaching

• Performance evaluation

• Guidance on areas for improvement

• Encouragement to build confidence and strengthen their professional skills

 

The evaluation process provides a baseline for measuring student development and can be incorporated into the student's career-readiness or senior exit materials.

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STEP 3: Reflection, Reinforcement & Continued Development

Following the workshops and mock interviews, Ascend facilitates an interactive group session where students have the opportunity to discuss their experiences, ask questions, address concerns, and reinforce the skills they have learned.

The program is designed as a multi-year progression, allowing students to develop their interview skills as they advance through high school.

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Two Levels of Interview Preparation

11th Grade: Standard Interview Introduction & Training

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of interviewing, including professional presentation, communication, common interview questions, and how to effectively communicate their qualifications and experiences.

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12th Grade: Behavioral Interview Training

Seniors build upon their previous experience and are introduced to behavioral interviewing techniques, including how to respond to questions about past experiences and demonstrate their skills through specific examples using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

This progression allows Ascend to compare student performance over time and identify areas of continued growth.

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Preparing Students for the Real World

Marked for Success is more than an interview workshop. It gives participants an opportunity to practice, receive professional feedback, apply what they have learned, and return the following year with measurable growth.

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The program can be adapted for school districts, colleges, corporations, community organizations, and adult workforce-development programs.

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An adult version of Marked for Success is also available and can be incorporated into corporate professional-development initiatives, workforce programs, and college career-readiness programming.

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The goal is simple: Don't just tell participants how to succeed in an interview. Give them the opportunity to practice it, receive feedback from professionals, and become better prepared for the opportunity when it comes.