It starts with a handshake.
A nervous smile. A resume gripped in both hands.
And then, a question: “Tell me about yourself.”
For students from Grayslake Central and Grayslake North High Schools, that moment wasn’t just part of a classroom assignment; it was a chance to step into their future.
Each semester, students from both high schools gather for a full day of Mock Interviews and Internship Interviews, rotating between the two campuses. This spring, it was GCHS’s turn to host. The library buzzed with activity as students entered interviews that would stretch their confidence and open doors.
More than 160 students participated in the spring event. Some were there as part of the Personal Finance class, a popular elective that includes mock interviews as a core project. Others came seeking internships. D127 internship partners offer students real-world opportunities that range from shadowing professionals to earning paid experience in a field they hope to pursue.
More Than Practice—It’s a Partnership
The day is powered by dozens of community organizations, professionals, and District staff volunteering to interview students. They represent all seven career pathways offered at D127, including:
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Arts and Communication
Finance and Business Services
Health Science and Technology
Human and Public Service
Information Technology
Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades
Students had the opportunity to meet with professionals from various organizations, including Zebra Technologies, Bright Horizons, College of Lake County, JPV Financial, GSK, Danfoss, and many more. Many students interviewed with multiple representatives to gain varied feedback and exposure.
According to Greg Geiger, D127 Department Chair for Career & Technical Education, “This event is more than a checklist item. It’s an experience that sticks. Students walk out taller, more confident, and with a clearer sense of what’s possible.”
Real Connections, Real Options
The interviews simulate real-world hiring processes. For internship candidates, this is the first step in securing placements. Some internships are paid and evolve into extended learning opportunities beyond the school year.
As participation grows in this program, so does the District’s ambition. While the Personal Finance course remains a primary gateway to mock interviews, leaders are exploring expanding the opportunity to more students and across additional academic areas.
Grayslake D127’s Career Pathways initiative isn’t just about classes or credits; it’s about building a future that students can see and step toward. Events like this bring that vision to life, giving students space to practice, reflect, and begin shaping their next chapter.
As the last interviews wrapped and the final handshakes were exchanged, what lingered in the air wasn’t just relief but readiness.
Thank You to Our Partners:
We are grateful to the many organizations and professionals who volunteered their time and expertise to support our students’ growth and success:
Bright Horizons
CCSD 46
College of Lake County
Danfoss
Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Protection District
Goodwill
GSK
HUB International
JPV Financial
Lake County Workforce Development
Lyon Bridge LLC
Right at Home
United Services by Permaco, Inc.
Zebra Technologies