2. Empathy Map
SCHOOL-TO-WORK TRANSITION
• The student needs to determine what it is they what
to do. In my role, I help to guide them in their
choice
• There are three main paths for graduate students
(academic career, more school, industry). Outside
of that I am of limited support and would be
disappointed (showed passion on this topic)
• Given the economy, I just want to find a job that will
allow me to pay off my school loans (person
showed signs of anxiety about not finding
something)
• I am open to lots of choices. I listen to my friends,
research and advisors to help focus my search
• An ideal job is one that will allow me to see many
different things and help me determine what I want
to do next
• I want to peruse a career that supports my personal
passions
• While I actively participate in on-campus recruiting,
it is my responsibility to find a job
SAY/ DO
• Passion: Those who know what they are
passionate about, often want to make it
part of their work; however, some complain
about how to do this
• Economy: Financial commitments and
expectations appear to be a motivating
factor of career choice and often at odds
whit individual passion. The resent/current
economic situations may be changing
peoples behaviors
• Advisors: advisors and supporters feel
personally invested in the
choices/outcomes of people they support
THINK & FEEL
3. Problem Statement
SCHOOL-TO-WORK TRANSITION
A job seeking, soon-to-be college graduate from an American university needs a
way to transition into the next phase of their life, because the current economic
environment has made it more difficult for recent graduates to find jobs and has
placed an increased amount of pressure on students with financial obligations
Problem / Need
• Basically the “what do I want to
be when I grow up” question
• Economy has added new
pressures to this problem
Insight
• I believe this situation has existed for a
while and the economy has added new
pressures to this problem
• Advisors have a vested interest
• Do more people vocalize an interest in
aligning work and their passion?
Stakeholder
• Spoke to students, professors and corporate recruiters
• Will probably look at this problem from the hiring point of view rather than the
recent graduate point of view
