Empathize and define
- 1. Venture Labs Empathy and Define Phases
- 2. Interviewees • Three recent graduates were interviewed to understand their experiences in transitioning from being a student to joining the workforce • Broad spectrum of success – One began in sophomore year – internships, senior research project – had 2 offers to select from – and both were in the specialty that she wanted – One had no internships, didn’t know what he wanted – waited for “any” job offer – and then started thinking about what he wanted to do – One found out in school that to get the job he wanted he needed to get a transition job to gain 2-3 years experience before he could get the job he wants – had 3 internships – found solid transition job – and checks the job listings every day for the job/agency he wants.
- 3. Interview Questions 1. Describe how you went from being a student to starting your first job. 2. Describe the greatest challenge you faced during this process. 3. Tell me about the greatest influences/influencers during this period. 4. Describe the greatest surprises you encountered. 5. In looking back, what would you have done differently 6. What advice would you give current students to help them through the transition period.
- 4. Participated in 2 non-paying internships and a relevant senior year research project Started planning for workforce before junior year No relevant work experience and 90 interviews with no job offer. Strong experience on resumes is critical I need to gain experience in a transition job to get the one I want Jobs found through university listings and through friends Participated in 2 non-paying internships and a relevant senior year research project Little to no help offered by college placement Interviews are the easiest part of the process I had a good GPA and interviewed well but my resume wasn’t very good. University career services for another major produces 8 offers on average – my career services were worthless My parents recommended a job which offered financial security. There are several hundred applicants for each open position I didn’t know what I wanted to do I fine-tuned what kind of job I wanted with my internships I was told that I needed 2-3 years of experience in local market before I would qualify for national level job Interviews were easy – got offered a job on the spot The manager who wanted me to accept sent weekly emails Once the offer is made, I must be ready to accept or decline Best way to find a job is through networking – my friends, high school coaches, friends of my parents Not knowing what you want to do in workforce means that you probably won’t get a job Students who start planning for being in the workforce early (before junior year) – have the greatest likelihood of success College career services and other college groups rarely provide the help students need to prepare for the workforce Certain professions require a transition job experience to gain experience needed for entry Students need information from the job market to know what they need to do to get the job they want. Students (as young as sophomores) Get information and support from the potential job market to understand and gain relevant experience Those who can demonstrate relevant experience have the edge in a tough job market. Those who can demonstrate relevant experience have the edge in a tough job market.