Workshop 5 of the AASEP (All-Akron Student Engineering Program) series offered students a dynamic and highly engaging experience focused on personal branding, communication, and career readiness. With all participants remaining together throughout the day, the session fostered a strong sense of community, collaboration, and support—hallmarks of the AASEP experience. 

We kicked off the workshop by diving into the art of the elevator pitch. Each student crafted and delivered a one-minute speech that highlighted their strengths, goals, and aspirations. Following each presentation, peers and facilitators provided constructive feedback in a supportive environment, encouraging students to refine their communication skills while lifting one another up. The energy in the room was palpable, as students rooted for each other's success and celebrated their peers' diverse talents and perspectives. 

After a brief lunch break, the session transitioned into the next critical focus area: job interview preparation. Students were divided into groups to conduct mock interviews and provide peer evaluations. This hands-on exercise gave them the chance to put their skills into practice and gain insight into how they present themselves in professional settings. To deepen the experience, scenario-based questions were introduced to help students think creatively and respond to potential real-world challenges they may encounter in the workplace. 

The day concluded with final elevator pitch presentations, giving students the opportunity to apply what they had learned, show their growth, and practice speaking in front of a larger audience. 

Key Takeaways from Workshop 5: 

• The Power of Clear, Concise Communication: 
  Students gained confidence in articulating their goals and strengths effectively—a skill that’s essential in networking and professional settings. 

• Value of Constructive Peer Feedback: 
  Thoughtful feedback sessions helped students improve their delivery and highlighted the importance of learning from one another in a collaborative space. 

• Interview Preparedness & Adaptability: 
  Real-time mock interviews allowed students to experience common interview dynamics while building adaptability and composure. 

• Creative Problem Solving in Workplace Scenarios: 
  Scenario-based discussions promoted critical thinking and gave students the opportunity to reflect on how they handle complex, real-life job situations.