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ExpOpp

Bridging the Experience Gap for Students and Recent Grads in a Competitive Job Market

My role
Team
Skills
Timeline
UX Research
UX Design 
User-testing
2 UX Designer
1 Engineer
Figma
Adobe Creative Suite
Balsamic
User Research methods
Ideation

 
Dec 23 - Feb 24
 
In today's competitive job market, students and recent graduates face an uphill battle to secure employment because they lack the relevant work experience employers demand.

Many job listings require several years of experience, leaving even the most qualified and talented students struggling to break into their chosen fields.

Having been on this journey myself, I know firsthand how traditional job boards and career services fall short—they just list opportunities without offering the support students need to build strong resumes.

As a result, students are often unprepared for the job market, and employers miss out on fresh talent with practical skills.

Why this issue needs attention?

Solution

I designed Expopp, offering students and recent grads exclusive access to real-world projects, personalized mentorship, and targeted networking opportunities.

This empowers them to become self-sufficient in navigating today's competitive job market, fostering independence and success in their career pursuits.
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Design thinking approach : I imagine ........

To help build confidence and showcase their skills. This area bridges professional experiences, supports emerging talent, and boosts career readiness.

An extension
to LinkedIn

FOR

Students or Recent Grads

  • LinkedIn

User Research

I thoroughly researched student perspectives on LinkedIn and Glassdoor, analyzing recurring themes and pain points using affinity diagramming to refine the problem statement.

Some of them said,

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Insights

Competitive Landscape

Students perceive fierce competition for entry-level positions, emphasizing the need to differentiate themselves among experienced peers.

Based on Research, Insights and Analysis,

How Might We,
create accessible pathways for students to gain practical experience and relevant skills, addressing the barriers of competition and limited opportunities in the entry-level job market? 

Ideation

Peer-Led Skill Workshops 
Create workshops where advanced students teach practical skills to peers, fostering collaborative learning.
Experience Points System  Implement a system where students earn points for participating in career-related activities, redeemable for perks.
Virtual Apprenticeship Programs Partner with companies for short-term, project-based virtual apprenticeships to provide real-world experience.
Micro-Internship Marketplace
Offer short, flexible internships with local businesses or startups to give students practical experience without long-term commitments.
Firefly Micro-Internship Marketplace- Develop a platform that connects students with micro
Firefly Virtual Apprenticeship Programs- Partner with companies to create short-term, proj
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Industry Mentorship Match  

Develop a platform to match students with industry mentors for guidance and project collaboration.

​

 

While brainstorming, we realized students might not trust new platforms due to insecurity.

That's when we thought: why not build on something they already trust?

By creating a dedicated extension within LinkedIn, we can leverage its established reputation to provide tailored resources and opportunities, boosting their confidence and offering a seamless transition into the professional world.

Solution

Lets look at the solution by stepping in the users shoe!
#1
Feeling insecure among experienced professionals, the user turns to ExpOpp to find peers in similar situations, finding relief and building confidence
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ExpOpp also available on

app version

 

A dedicated section in the "For Business" tab for students and recent grads to transition to a sub-platform. Existing users can import LinkedIn profile data, while new users can easily create their profiles.

 

#2
Upon logging in, the user's LinkedIn information is automatically imported. He is greeted with a dashboard tracking progress on certifications or badges earned, recent sessions attended, and showcasing new internship opportunities or sponsored projects to explore.
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#3
He visits his profile to review and make any necessary edits. The profile acts as a comprehensive portfolio where employers can view showcased recent projects and aspirations that align with potential job requirements.
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#4
Eager to explore new opportunities, he navigates to a page offering internships,
real-world projects beneficial for both him and potential employers, and early-career full-time positions.
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#5
When you're breaking out of your shell, having someone to guide you is crucial. The platform lets the user book calls with mentors in his field or who have similar journeys. He can also join group sessions hosted by different mentors on various topics, helping find inspiration and discover his perfect mentor!

 
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#6
Imagine you want to build your profile with passion projects but lack partners for success. A feature which allows the user to pitch his project, find collaborators, and start your journey. It's a fantastic way to network, build connections, and enhance his profile.

 
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A little lost, A lot found.

Let's connect and talk!

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  • Linkedin
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