The document discusses a recent university graduate's experiences and reflections. It summarizes: - The graduate felt underprepared for working life after university where they mainly partied and had poor academic performance. - An internship provided valuable context about working in a corporate environment and stimulated them by doing things for themselves rather than just parents or professors. - Universities don't provide insight into what working life will actually be like. The internship helped the graduate set post-university expectations and informed their next steps.

1. Empathy Map
Submitted by Matthew Gracie - August 2013
“
My first experiences of
work has been appealing
My last year of
high school
was a fog
I’m good at math
therefore I choose a
course related to
that
I didn’t have a
designed path
At university I partied hard but
became underwhelmed by my
academic performance
There were no real alternative
other than doing what I was
doing at university
My internship helped me
with context for work life
I was stimulated by the
experience of working in a
corporate environment
For the first time I was doing
things for me…not mom, dad or
a professor
At university they don’t tell you
what work life will be like
High School
“
University
Transition to Work
SAY
“ “THINK
“ “FEEL
“ “DO
Interviewee is a “Learner”….primarily
through interaction with others and
observing personal responses.
The recent graduate is in a
“Searcher” mode …..actively seeking
the purpose of her life and the
impact she will have. And believes
that she will find that purpose and
make that impact.
Diana has “Courage”…..she is not
afraid to lead or take life on and has
confidence she can make a
difference.
Employee, 6 months out of
university see the world as an
“opportunity” to experience and
learn from
Diana seeks fulfilment through
achievement of others.The recent graduate feels
underprepared as a result of
university experience. New employees wonders about
peers and their lack of direction.
Interviewee considers travel
the best education.
Thoughtful about how life has plotted its course thus far…..carefully considers answers
Refreshingly candid…..honest about recollections
Thoughtful University Student needs a way to experience work because it helps them set expectations and inform

2. Problem Statement
Submitted by Matthew Gracie - August 2013
Thoughtful, learning orientated, courageous, life seeking, university student
needs a way to
experience work, experience life, and project themselves into their imagined future
because
it enables to the student to fill critical knowledge gaps that significantly impact
their present day choices and expectations while at university and while they
consider employment opportunities.