1. Problem
Statement:
Samantha needs a more
supportive and collaborative
system to locate the right
vocational opportunity.
SAY:
1. "The most difficult thing about transition is seeing the finish line.”
2. "It's like, where do I even start?”
3. "I'm nervous about the impending rejection. The anxiety is comparable to that of when I was applying to
college.”
4. "I've been scouring LinkedIn and other, more traditional and industry specific job forums to reach out and
network with people who have the vocation I want.”
5. "During my internship, I learned two things: (1) Internships need an overhaul and (2) I am really more
interested in strategy than I am in marketing, which was an important distinction to make as a close out my
last semester.”
6. "To better prepare myself and increase my marketability as a prospective hire, I've actually been taking
several MOOCs and other trade specific classes online through Skillshare.”
7. "I don't want to just accept something, either, simply because I 'need' a job. I'd really love to at least set
myself up with a job I think I like.”
8. "Hahaha… I am sure you've heard this a lot, but, man, no summer, winter and spring breaks?!”
9. "The idea of freelancing sounds appealing. During my time in college, I built a small social media business,
supporting a network of my parents' friends. I'd love to continue to run with it; the lack of support is kinda
terrifying.”
10. "Sometimes I think about just buying time and studying for the GMAT, and potentially getting my Masters.”
11. "It's hard to talk to my parents and, even, college job counselors about the transition. The landscape is just
so dramatically different than what they experienced.”
12. "At least I can talk to my friends about it and laugh, complain or whatever."
DO:
For the "Do" aspect, I asked my candidate to (1) call their parents and (2)
cruise through LinkedIn.
Here's what I saw while the individual spoke with her parents: Fidgeting;
excessively curling hair around finger; soft and indifferent tones; annoyance
expressed through the rolling of eyes.
While skimming through LinkedIn, here's what I saw: A majority of time was
spent looking through the "people you may know" section, "jobs you may be
interested in" section and the "groups you may like", which was all to be
expected. Not a lot of time was spent in the individual's main content feed,
though.
THINK:
1. The process overwhelming
2. I might not actually get the job I want right away; that's okay.
3. I can always call a friend
4. My parents don't really understand what it's like
5. I should consider myself lucky to land a job; I don't really want
to.
6. The corporate road is not the only road
7. This is difficult
8. Writing resume cover letters is annoying
9. Honestly, I'd rather just go travel
10. Is college really coming to an end?
FEEL:
1. Nervous about rejection and perception of rejection
2. Fatigued by the constant search
3. Aroused at the prospects
4. Hopeful about the future
5. Confident in their value
6. Supported by friends, family and mentors
7. Uneasy about compromise
8. Worried. If 'this' doesn't work out, I'll have to move home.
9. Small, at times, especially when comparing LinkedIn profiles.
10. That she could be doing more.
INSIGHTS:
1. Platforms such as LinkedIn
are not the solution.
2. Peer-to-peer support is
essential for moral.
3. A parent’s wisdom is not a
replacement for tactical
know-how.
4. Skillshare may be both a job
prepatory and interview
experience.
5. The corporate path is not
the only path.