1. Empathy Map
Below are some of the findings from the conducted interviews.
Three interviews were conducted with three different profiles – one with a student (a friend’s brother) who is
considering the options between different education routes. Another interview is conducted with an employer,
and the last and final interview was with a confidant who has always regretted his past choice for his education
pathway. The three profiles, in my opinion, would provide a more rounded perspective on the problem.
S = Student
E = Employer
F = Friend
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What they said:
S:There are many opinions given regarding the decision he is about to make, and he finds it
hard to work out what he truly wants as he attempts to answer everyone’s expectation or
questions regarding his decision.
E: It is becoming difficult to find someone who presents themselves enthusiastically for a job
opening, sometimes you can feel that they just need a job to get by. Passion for a
blossoming career is a faded notion these days.
F: Have always felt that the lack of support from family is one of the reasons why he feels so
much regrets, more than anything, it is the lack of emotional support. It always makes him
feel sad to know that his family had already stereotyped him to what he can and cannot
achieve (arts student vs science student), leaving out the chance for him to fulfil something
that he wants to do for a living (an embalmer).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What they think:
S: Would like to be given a timeout from all the oncoming pressure to really have that
conversation with himself on what he wants for the future.
E: Looking for opportunities to join circles where she would be able to find like-minded
passionate industry folks so that she can find potentially good employees.
F: Of course, there would be no chance to re-address that long lost regret now that he’s left
school for more than fifteen years but he would like a closure to these feelings.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Empathy

2. What they feel (inferred):
Why did I choose to write down what is inferred? I think it would be better to try and read
their feelings, instead of letting them do the talking, in order to truly put yourselves in the
shoes. After that, I’d talk to them and check with them on what they said as a follow-up
and also to let me know how close to understanding them I was or was not.
S: It is clear that the main distraction for said student is peer pressure from people who are
trying to make the decision for him. On top of confusion, he must be feeling worn out and
stressed by everyone’s opinion.
E: One of the main things she is feeling is curiosity: are there anyone out there that fits her
expectations and can they be found more easily. A slight tinge of disappointment can be
detected, as well as hesitance to hire through job ads.
F: Many emotions at play here, anger, disappointment, hurt pride and feeling a strong need
to address each emotion in order to overcome the hurt feelings.
In their own words:
S: Confused! And I’m constantly unsure if I’m able to make a decision that is what I truly
want, and also if I’d disappoint anyone in its process.
E: Not sure of an emotive word to describe, but convicted to hire someone passionate
instead of a hire that just wishes to get by.
F: Sad and regretful that I was unable to make the better decision and not be so easily
persuaded, but I don’t know how to address the feelings.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What they can do:
After they did all the talking, I decided to have a discussion with each individual to find out
what they can do to address this as a starting point.
S:Draw a roadmap of what is to be achieved and the feelings/reasons to why each point is
marked and drawn that way. Whenever someone jumps in and wishes to influence, share
the roadmap and explain to them.
E:Reach out to circles and attend social events to meet more people and get more
exposure to contacts. Make a list to note down who may be helpful to bridge connections
and slowly uncover the paths.
F: One of the ways to approach this sense of regret is to read about the interesting topic for
own leisure, in the past this particular occupation is shunned and there are not much
materials on it. But nowadays, there are movies, articles etc that are available online for
reading purposes.

3. Insights:
The choice to interview three people with very different background and purposes serve to
be a useful way of gathering different perspective and information. It can also be said that
a few common themes affect a person’s choice when making an education/career
decision, namely:
Influence:
Peer influence and influence from family members would trigger dire consequences
and effects when not properly managed. Even for an employer, the influence the
hire brings to the company is a major consideration.
Intentions:
Each person would have their own intentions and it is important to identify what they
want in order to progress and fulfil their goals. It will also help them to draw a clear
road-map to get to their goals.
Research:
All three interviewee would benefit greatly when they do research according to their
interest for each case, whether it is for recreational purposes or to ensure their next
decision is well-informed, this is an important factor to their eventual happiness or
sense of fulfilment.
Partnership:
This is something that I would think be beneficial to all three cases in point, if they
have that partnership to help them make their decisions and give them a second
perspective or even support, they would feel more confident in approaching the
problem they are facing.
Envisioned future/solution:
It is equally important to let the imagination take control and envision a future that
one would like to have in order to help get to the goal. This was later conveyed to
the interviewees, that should they feel stuck or uncertain on what to do, that they
can drop the inhibitions and allow themselves to imagine their future without too
much consideration to reveal what they wish to strive towards and also, this works as
a strong motivator. In cases where they need a technical solution, this could also
lead them to the right goal.
In verdict, talking to the interviewees have revealed some interesting findings on what
would influence them in this point of transition. It also shows that this is a volatile period
where many things are at stake, thus it is important to address each concern dutifully.