StFX’s Co-operative Education Program is pleased to announce that Ashley Lochead, a third year business student from Westville, NS, is the winner of this year’s Interview Idol contest.

“I am thrilled,” says Lochead. “I heard about the contest before and thought it would be something interesting to try. When I heard it was open to students outside of co-op, I signed up right away. I am thankful to be exposed to this challenge. It was a great learning opportunity and I look forward to returning next year.”

Twelve students from the co-op and various programs participated in three rounds of simulated public interviewing and were asked over 40 common and challenging behavioral interview questions. The purpose of the contest is to simulate the recruiting process and allow students to get expert feedback from professionals.

The final took place at the Inn March 25th, where Veronica Callaghan, a second year BA student claimed second place,; Alex Dorward a third year IS student placed third; and Ying Wang, a third year BBA co-op student was the finalist runner up. Students who qualified for the final were provided with cash awards, certificates and trophies.

“I was highly impressed with the level of professionalism shown by the participants, and their initiative to put themselves ‘out there’ for essentially a public speaking contest. I hope they all return next year to defend their standings,’ says Ashley Kowalewski, co-op advisor and event organizer. 

Guest judges from the StFX community included Andrew Kendall, Industry Liaison Office, Mary Turay, Student Career Centre, Corina Fitzgerald, Student Services, and business professor Chris Galea. External judges included Amy Cameron of Sobeys, Brian Patton of CBDC, Anne Toner of XEDC, and HR consultant Cheryl Deveaux.