Empathy Map and Problem Statement

1. FRAMING THE
PROBLEM
Redesigning the School to Work Transition

2. Subject
 Brooke is a recent high school graduate
entering College this fall. She likes dance, art,
and creativity, and is also a straight-A student.

3. Empathy Map
•School counseling did not provide a personal relationship
•More focused on finding a school than a major or career
•Thinking about my career would influence picking a college program
•Things I’ve done outside the classroom , like community service,
helped me in my internship
•Retail jobs had no correlation to my classes
•I want a career that challenges me
•I want to be creative
•Society pulls you in to college.
•I don’t think I would succeed without an advanced degree
•I want to broaden my horizons
•I don’t want to fill a mundane function
•I think college will give me a good foundation, with both social and technical
skills
•I want an experience beyond the classroom
•Problem-specific classes can help you decide on a career
•I don’t know what my dream career is
•The more internships connected to your school, the better
•Needs to be more options for those who can’t afford college
•College is not for everyone
•College is a huge financial burden
•I don’t think liberal arts classes are really necessary to the workplace
•Some classes are just a personal choice
•Planning for a career isn’t emphasized in high school guidance

4. Empathy Map
•Read student profiles on College website
•Watched school’s YouTube channel
•Explored majors page and program details
•Changed classes multiple times
•Asked for advice from family members

5. Empathy Map
•Society will not accept me as a viable job
candidate without an advanced degree
•A college degree is not just about the
classes
•Wants a balance between personal
growth and technical learning
•It’s hard to find a challenging and
creative career
•Don’t know how to get started
•Not sure who to ask for advice

6. Empathy Map
•Worried about the future
•Unprepared to make a career
choice
•Excited to explore
•Anxious that the path forward is
unclear
•Confused about what to do
•Interested in learning more
•Willing to put in effort

7. Empathy Map: Insights
 Brooke seems to wish that someone had talked to
her about her career options earlier in
schooling, instead of just her college choices
 Brooke seems to want a way to explore possible
career options to find out what is right for her
without falling “behind”
 She does not seem to want a “traditional”
career, but still feels the need to follow the
“traditional” school to work path
 Brooke views the soft, personal skills she hopes to
gain in college as just as important as the
technical skills

8. Problem Statement
A driven, creative college freshman needs a
way to focus her career path because she
wants to make sure college gives her an
appropriate foundation.