Exeter Round Table Grills Bicton Students

Members of Exeter Round Table, representing employers from a range of Devon businesses, gave students from Bicton College a grilling this week in formal mock interviews.

Students from Horticulture, Agriculture, Countryside and Equine Care joined Agricultural Engineers, to spend the day sampling the challenges of the job market. The students were initially nervous in their suits and ties, a change from their usual tractor suits.

The knowledgeable Round Tablers were ‘firm but fair’ said one student. They provided valuable and realistic detailed feedback for each student ranging from tips to building their CVs, selling their skills, to ways of gaining further practical hands-on work experience.

Business and Enterprise Lecturer Deborah Kearney said, “The mock interview day was very beneficial to the students, offering them a unique trial-run experience where first impressions, communication techniques and professional attitudes were all addressed. The students really appreciated the feedback from the Exeter Round Table members, especially as it gave them an honest taste of how businesses are operating in the current changeable climate.”

Exeter Round Table is a voluntary organisation, set-up for members who wish to enrich their local community and make a difference with like-minded people. Many thanks to Richard Kaye, Richard Pym, Karl Wilson, Ross Cocking, John Beevers, Roger Squire, Michael Davies and Warren Douglas from Exeter Round Table.