Student View: The power of peer coaching

Jacob Dunham is a senior majoring in supply chain management at the Broad College of Business.

I still remember sitting outside the interview room, trying to calm my nerves while replaying every possible question in my head. It was my first internship interview; I had no idea what to expect. Up until that point, interviews felt like something abstract. I had seen examples online and watched videos about them, but I had never actually experienced one myself outside of something informal for a high school job. I didn’t know the format, what kinds of questions I would be asked, or even how to carry a conversation in a professional setting.  What changed everything for me was something uniquely Broad: the peer coaching program.

Before that interview, I had met with several peer coaches at the Russell Palmer Career Management Center. At first, I thought these sessions would be quick resume reviews or surface-level advice. Instead, they became one of the most valuable parts of my preparation. Each session built on the last. Peer coaches walked me through what an interview actually looks like not just in theory, but from all of the interviews they have been through. They broke down common behavioral questions, helped me structure my answers using real experiences, and most importantly, helped me understand what interviewers are actually looking for. For the first time, I wasn’t guessing anymore. One of the biggest things I learned was how predictable interviews can be if you know how to prepare. We went through the types of questions I was likely to get asked and practiced answering them out loud. That alone made a huge difference. Instead of going into the interview hoping I would come up with something on the spot, I walked in having already thought through my experiences and how to communicate them clearly.

Another area I hadn’t even considered before peer coaching was asking questions at the end of the interview. Before, I assumed this part didn’t matter much. But through those sessions, I realized it’s actually one of the most important opportunities to show curiosity, engagement and professionalism. Peer coaches helped me craft thoughtful, intentional questions, not just ones that sounded good, but ones that reflected genuine interest. That shift in mindset made the conversation feel more balanced. I wasn’t just being evaluated; I was actively participating. They also taught me something small that had a big impact: the follow-up thank-you email.

Before Broad, I wouldn’t have known how to write one, let alone understand why it matters. Through meeting with Peer Coaches, I learned how to write a concise, professional message that reinforces your interest and leaves a strong final impression. It was a simple step, but it helped me feel like I was handling the process like a professional. By the time I walked into that first interview, I was still nervous,  but it was a different kind of nervous. Instead of feeling lost, I felt prepared.

Looking back, that experience was more than just my first interview. It was a turning point in how I approach professional challenges. It showed me the value of preparation, the importance of seeking guidance and how much you can grow by putting yourself in uncomfortable situations. Since then, I’ve gone through more interviews, internships and professional experiences, but that first one stands out the most. Not because everything went perfectly, but because it was the moment I realized I had the tools and support to figure it out. That’s what makes Broad different. It’s not just the opportunities, it’s the people and resources that help you take advantage of them. The peer coaches didn’t just help me prepare for one interview. They gave me a framework and confidence that I’ve carried into every professional experience since. As I continue to build my career, I know I’ll keep going back to what I learned during those early sessions: prepare intentionally, ask thoughtful questions and always follow through.  Because sometimes, the difference between walking into an interview unsure of yourself and walking in ready to succeed is simply knowing where to go for help.