First Year OLS Bellevue College Students Participate in Mock Interview at Microsoft

First year students taking Communication in the Workplace during winter Quarter 2024 participated in a mock interview activity. Mock interviews have been an essential part of the OLS Bellevue College curriculum since the program’s inception, but this was the first time Mock Interviews were conducted on the Microsoft campus. The OLS staff worked hard on making this exciting opportunity come to fruition. A shuttle transported students to their interview HQ early Wednesday, March 6.

OLS Bellevue College students on the Microsoft bus
OLS Bellevue College instructor in front of the Microsoft bus
OLS Bellevue College students prepare for their mock interviews at Microsoft

After checking in, the students made themselves comfortable in the waiting area while preparing for the interviews. They were all dressed professionally, practiced their interview notes and communication and took some time to relax and prepare.

OLS Bellevue College students prepare for their mock interviews at Microsoft
OLS Bellevue College students prepare for their mock interviews at Microsoft
OLS Bellevue College students prepare for their mock interviews at Microsoft

The nine interviewers at Microsoft spent their morning getting to know OLS students, asking them about themselves, their interests, skills and how they have resolved challenging situations. Each student received individualized feedback from their interviewer. After their 1:1 interview, students commented on how confident they felt, the helpful feedback they received and how much they enjoyed the process.

Later in the morning, the interviewers shared their overall feedback with the larger group, including recommendations and words of encouragement before OLS students departed back to campus at noon on the shuttle.

It was a wonderful experience for everyone, and we received much interest in bridging this connection for the future. Thank you to all the Microsoft employees who dedicated time to this and help our students take their interview skills to the next level!

OLS Bellevue College students getting feedback on their mock interviews from Microsoft employees
OLS Bellevue College students getting feedback on their mock interviews from Microsoft employees

About the OLSBC Communication in the Workplace Course

Communication in the Workplace is taken in the first year of the OLSBC program and is one of the many courses students take to earn their associate degree. In this course, students gain an understanding of the use of assertive language, how to manage a conflict, how to solve a problem, and job finding skills.


About Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College

Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College (OLSBC) is an associate degree program for students with learning disabilities. In our uniquely supportive skills-based program, students apply academic knowledge through community activities, service learning and social experiences. Students identify a career pathway, gain marketable, workplace-ready competencies, develop better interpersonal skills and complete an internship in alignment with their career goals.

Learn more about our program at an upcoming Information Session, open to all prospective students, family members/guardians, educators, counselors and other service providers. Come learn why OLS Bellevue College is one of the best colleges for students with learning disabilities.

Last Updated November 14, 2024