1. erin borreson :: Design Thinking Action Lab :: Empathy Map & Problem Statement :: 1
S TA K E H O L D E R ::
D E S C R I P T I O N O F P E R S O N I N T E R V I E W E D
The Stakeholder graduated with an undergrad degree in architecture and philosophy.
He has been searching for a job for over a year.
He is a good problem solver using design theory and use of materials who collaborates
well in a group, is detail-oriented, friendly, hard worker, and loves architecture.

2. erin borreson :: Design Thinking Action Lab :: Empathy Map & Problem Statement :: 2
S AY ::
W H AT T H E S TA K E H O L D E R S AY S : : 1
• The university doesn’t provide job hunting classes it’s up to you to find this information and
develop your own strategy
• The university does have an alumni association, but it’s not very helpful
• The industry hires within a tight network so, generally, jobs posted on a job websites have already been filled
• I have to learn the nuances of the professional network in this city on my own
• There’s one main professional organization which has events specifically for young professionals which would
be a perfect networking opportunity and I’m excited to meet new people, but I feel uncomfortable going and
asking about jobs. Plus, some events have fees and I’m on a very tight budget right now. So I don’t go to these
events.
• I had a really good relationship with my professors so I reach out to them for job hunting advice
• My professors are helpful, but they’re not working in the industry
• Professors recommended to find professionals doing work that I am interested in doing and reaching out to
them to ask for an informational interview. This is nerve racking since I’m not a very outgoing person.

3. erin borreson :: Design Thinking Action Lab :: Empathy Map & Problem Statement :: 3
S AY ::
W H AT T H E S TA K E H O L D E R S AY S : : 2
• My parents ingrained into me that I shouldn’t beg, so it’s hard for me to reach out and ask for a job
• Professors have advised a good time of year to look for jobs
• The economy is bad right now and there’s just not that many jobs available
• I have learned to keep in contact with people
• There’s this grass roots approach to looking for a job rather than a system
• I guess I could be more aggressive, but it’s not my personality and I find it uncomfortable

4. erin borreson :: Design Thinking Action Lab :: Empathy Map & Problem Statement :: 4
T H I N K ::
M Y I N F E R E N C E S O F T H E S TA K E H O L D E R ’ S T H O U G H T S
• There should be a better job hunting resources to make the transition between school and job smoother
• Professional organizations and universities could work together to create a good network before leaving school
• It would be good to learn strategies to job hunting, presenting yourself and your work
• Ready to go to work and make great things, but not finding a job
• How to create a job hunting strategy

5. erin borreson :: Design Thinking Action Lab :: Empathy Map & Problem Statement :: 5
F E E L ::
M Y I N F E R E N C E S O F T H E S TA K E H O L D E R ’ S F E E L I N G S
• Frustrated
• Outside of his comfort zone (having to be more outgoing than what comes naturally to him)
• Tired of looking for a job
• Determined to find a job because he loves the industry & type of work
• Exhausted
• Enjoys meeting new people to talk about the industry & type of work
• Nervous about income
• Tired of interviews that don’t go anywhere

6. erin borreson :: Design Thinking Action Lab :: Empathy Map & Problem Statement :: 6
P R O B L E M S TAT E M E N T
S TA K E H O L D E R N E E D I N S I G H T
needs a way to becauseA recent graduate
develop a job hunting
strategy & tool kit
stakeholder needs a
better way to find income