Meet one of our Research Grant submissions: BOOST (Big Interview Online Skill Training) Project
We are excited to share the details of our project, BOOST (Big Interview Online Skill Training), which focuses on enhancing job interview preparedness for international postgraduate students in non-clinical health programs, such as Public Health and Health Services Management. This initiative leverages the Big Interview platform, an AI-powered mock interview tool, to provide tailored, on-demand training that increases students’ confidence and readiness for the competitive job market.
This project stems from a recognized need to better support international students, who often face unique barriers to employment, including unfamiliar recruitment practices and the challenges of navigating competitive markets. By integrating Big Interview into our academic programs, we aim to bridge the gap between academic preparation and employability. The platform’s AI-driven feedback and customizable features enable students to develop digital competencies, refine their self-presentation skills, and gain insights into AI-driven assessments—essential tools for succeeding in modern recruitment processes.
We chose to pursue this project to address a critical gap in career readiness support for non-clinical health students, a demographic often overlooked in employability initiatives. A pilot program run in 2024 has provided early indicators of impact:
“Be more prepared for interviews with confidence”
“Great platform to excel interview skills”
- Health Services Management graduates , 2024
As digital interviews and AI-driven recruitment practices become more prevalent, providing students with practical experience in these areas is essential. BOOST not only equips students with the necessary skills but also promotes equity by ensuring all students, regardless of their background, can compete effectively in the global job market.
Applying for an ANZAHPE grant was a natural choice, given the organization’s commitment to advancing health professions education. The grant supports innovative projects that address contemporary challenges, such as integrating digital tools into education and enhancing graduate outcomes.
We remain committed to exploring other avenues to bring BOOST to life, as we believe it has the potential to significantly enhance graduate outcomes. We are grateful to ANZAHPE for their support and for recognizing the value of initiatives that integrate innovation and equity into health professions education. This acknowledgment encourages us to continue striving for impactful solutions that benefit students and the wider academic and professional community.
Ernesta Sofija, Minalli Vasandani, Nina Perry, Reece HinchCliff and Georgina Sanger.
Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
