In order to strengthen communication between UMBC and its Professional Development School (PDS) network, we implemented an interview process prior to internship that required all students to interview with a school in the PDS network. This article outlines the interview process including the questions, assessment, and logistical issues. Further it details the benefits of the process for all of the stakeholders including 1) an additional opportunity for collaboration between the university and PDSs prior to and during the internship process, 2) increased communication which facilitated the development of additional support structures for interns identified with potential deficiencies during the interview process, and 3) opportunities for interns to practice interviewing in an authentic school setting which helped build connections to their schools and prospective mentors.