ASPIRA Business & Finance H.S. Seniors Take Part in Mock Job Interviews with Chicago Area Professionals

Seniors at ASPIRA Business & Finance High School in Chicago spent a class period on February 10th working directly with professionals from aviation, finance, hospitality, communications, public service, and municipal trades as part of a mock interview event coordinated by Mentoring Mission, a non-profit based in Chicago.

Students remained with one professional for the full class period, allowing for deeper conversation, honest feedback, and a clearer understanding of workplace expectations. The professional volunteers were on hand for five class periods.

Professionals participating in the event represented a wide range of industries, including aviation supervisors, financial advisors, municipal mechanics, hospitality executives, communications specialists, and leaders from nonprofit and faith‑based organizations.

Laurie Stepanski, Assistant Manager, T5/Customer Service for United Airlines, has volunteered with Mentoring Mission for more than a decade.

“A confident handshake, eye contact, and a genuine smile tell an employer you’re ready,” Stepanski said. “These students took the feedback seriously and improved right in front of us.”

Teachers at ASPIRA emphasized how meaningful the experience was for students.

Jose Torres, business teacher:

“Students hear these ideas from us, but hearing them from people who hire and train in the real world hits differently. It sticks.”

Scott Steward, Department Chair:

“Exposure to multiple industries helps students understand the range of opportunities available to them. It broadens their thinking.”

Juan Ellias, teacher and program coordinator:

“This kind of coaching builds confidence. Students walk out of the room standing a little taller.”

Carol Valentino‑Barry, founder of Mentoring Mission, highlighted the importance of the volunteers themselves:

“These professionals bring the real workplace into the room, and we’re genuinely grateful for that. Their honesty and experience give students a clearer sense of how to carry themselves and how to grow. When schools and industry do this together, it makes a real difference.”

ASPIRA teachers were also recognized for the work that made the day possible — adjusting schedules, preparing students, and helping them build professional résumés ahead of the event.

The mock interviews are part of Mentoring Mission’s ongoing effort to expand career‑readiness opportunities for Chicago high school students, particularly in Title I schools.

For more information or to bring Mentoring Mission to your school, visit www.mentoringmission.org

About Mentoring Mission
Carol Valentino-Barry, a freelance educator from Chicago, Illinois, established Mentoring Mission after a career in business followed by many years in secondary education. Mentoring Mission projects bring together business and education in partnerships that help students recognize opportunities for their future life achievements. She has worked with schools and mentors in Illinois, New Jersey, Wisconsin, California and Istanbul,Turkey and has created a network of graduates from Harvard Business School, among others, for support.

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