Students with the Project SEARCH program at PS 721Q, the John F. Kennedy Jr. School, visited Meta’s Hudson Yards offices to learn about the social media giant’s business objectives and to engage in mock interviews with the company’s professionals. Meta operates Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp platforms. This opportunity was organized by Karen Zuckerman, AHRC NYC’s Director of Community Partners and Corporate Engagement.
Meta Explains Business Practices to Students
Jennifer Fantin, Client Solutions Manager at Meta, described the company’s mission as “Building the future of human connections and the technology that makes it possible. We help people around the world connect with one another and build the tech to facilitate it.” Jennifer explained to the students how Meta uses targeted advertisements based on people’s interests expressed in their posts and interactions on social media platforms.
“Our goal is to share the right message with the right person at the right time,” Jennifer said.
Following a catered lunch, Project SEARCH students met with Meta professionals for one-on-one interviews. The students discussed their career goals while Meta employees provided advice on how to best present oneself in a professional interview setting.
Positive Mock Interview Feedback
“Mock Interviews are an important tool for our Project SEARCH interns because it provides them with an opportunity to practice their interviewing skills with professional employees in the workplace, not just with their teachers during classroom time,” said Lisa Arbisi, Teacher at PS 721. “It’s a true real-life experience where they can practice sharing information about themselves and answering and asking questions. This experience helps to increase their confidence and decrease their level of stress when they take part in real job interviews.”
Lisa said that the advice provided to students is critical for their future success.
“The interns received constructive feedback as to what their specific strengths were during the mock interview, what areas need improvement, and suggestions as to what they can do to make the improvements. The Meta employees were incredibly gracious, accepting, and empathetic to our young adults with special needs.”
Students expressed their gratitude to the Meta employees for the opportunity to learn about and from them.
One student said, “I really liked the mock interview session I had; the interviewer was really kind and let me take my time organizing my thoughts.”
Another student added “I wanted to write this to express my gratitude for the snacks, the brief introductions, the free lunch, and the time you took to interview me. These things made me feel comfortable and open to the interview process, which allowed me to freely express my thoughts. Additionally, the mock interview helped me hone my skills and technique. I wanted to mention that I’ve always been a huge Meta fan and that I was happy to speak with the staff members who create the incredible products and social media accounts. I hope to see you again soon as I share my endeavors with you.“
