The document outlines the challenges faced by a recent Portuguese business graduate who is struggling to find employment six months after finishing university. Highlighting societal pressure to secure a job immediately, he expresses willingness to work for free to enhance his CV while noting that many of his peers are in the same situation. The narrative reflects his proactive attitude and the importance of taking steps to remain valuable in the job market amidst high unemployment rates.

1. SCHOOL-TO-
WORK
TRANSITION
EMPATHIZE AND DEFINE
AUG, 5TH 2013

2. SAYS…
FEELS…
Smart boy in his
twenties who has
recently graduated
from one of the best
Portuguese business
universities with an
average-plus
performance.
• "I had two work experiences during about a month
while studying"
• "I finished university about 6 months ago and couldn't get
a job so far"
• "I would like to work for a major company, but it is very
difficult to get in"
• "My dad is not happy that I don't have a job"
• "I am willing to work for free until I get a real job"
• "I am not wasting my time and enriching my CV"
• "A lot of my colleagues didn't get a job yet"
DOES… • It is socially unacceptable
not to be working
immediately after
graduating
• Confident in his skills and
competences
• Is impeccably dressed in a business suit
• Talks in a very polite way
• Is respectful and formal
• complete his first tasks successfully
• It is better to work for free than
not working
• The university has adequately
prepared him for a job
THINKS…
A bright, confident
and responsible
recent graduate, who
is proactive and
collaborative…
NEEDS TO
be active after finishing
university in a way that is
appreciated by his family and
friends and increases his value
for future employers,
BECAUSE
there is a High unemployment rate
among recent graduates in
Portugal, being unemployed is socially
unacceptable and recent graduates
prefer to work (even for free) in order to
increase their value
Problem statement: