Interns come to The Washington Center (TWC) to gain practical skills and have their first professional experience and then return home hoping to find their first job after graduation.
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The Problem
Students interning with The Washington Center (TWC) have packed schedules, leaving them with little time to attend networking events. Consequently, they miss out on valuable opportunities to expand their professional networks and maximize their experience in Washington, D.C.
The Opportunity
Create an app tailored to TWC students that efficiently identifies high-quality, targeted networking events in Washington, D.C., helping them make the most of their internship experience.
The Hypothesis
TWC students express a desire to participate in more networking events during their internship in Washington, D.C. However, due to their busy schedules, they struggle to locate suitable events nearby. By providing a convenient solution, we can empower them to engage in meaningful networking opportunities, enhancing their overall experience.
The User Persona
Sam is a junior in college who has a passion for playing the guitar. He's known for his energetic personality and enthusiasm.
Goals (Gains):
Excel in his internship to gain valuable real-world experience.
Expand his professional network and meet new people.
Take advantage of the opportunity to explore Washington, D.C.
Challenges (Pains):
Struggling to balance his internship responsibilities with activities organized by The Washington Center (TWC).
Wishing for more opportunities to spend time with his advisor for guidance and support.
Adjusting to life in a bustling big city for the first time, which can be overwhelming.
Scenario
I'm thrilled to be in the nation's capital for the first time, embarking on my first real-world working experience. It’s been great meeting people from all over the country and other parts of the world and be able to learn from them. The experience in Washington, D.C. has been fantastic, but I barely time to network or attend events around the city. My internship is full-time and I have to commute over 45 minutes every day. I also have events and classes at The Washington Center as part of my internship program. Sometimes I feel I’m not taking full advantage of what the city has to offer.
MVPs - Minimum Viable Product
Problem 1: "I'm in my first professional experience, and I wish I could take better advantage of networking opportunities in my field while I'm in D.C."
Solution 1: Develop a mobile application featuring a calendar function where students can easily search for networking events in the D.C. area. The app will allow users to RSVP to events, view upcoming networking opportunities, and receive notifications about similar events.
Problem 2: "I have so much going on that it's challenging to keep up with everything."
Solution 2: Integrate the application with the student's TWC platform (Schoology), ensuring seamless synchronization. This integration will automatically display all TWC events on the calendar, preventing scheduling conflicts and helping students manage their busy schedules more effectively.
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Low-Fidelity Wireframes
High-Fidelity Wireframes
The Prototype
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