nk549@cornell.edu
Intern Pulse
Objective: To design an innovative app that helps students and recent graduates track their internship applications, manage documents, and network with peers effectively
User Personas
Wade Warren
Year
Junior
School
Cornell University
Degree Pursuing
Bachelors
Major
Computer Science
Behavioral Traits
Proactive
Organiized
Overwhelmed
Thinker
Bio
Seeking a summer internship in software development at a tech company. Ideally wants to work in a company that offers a path to full-time employment.
Core needs
•
Needs a way to track multiple applications across different platforms.
•
Wants reminders for application deadlines and follow-up emails.
•
Seeks a system that can help organize her documents and interview schedules in one place.
Frustrations
•
Struggles to keep track of different stages of each application process.
•
Finds it difficult to maintain an organized schedule for her interviews and follow-ups.
•
Often feels isolated in the application process and wishes for more peer support.
Cameron Williamson
Year
Sophomore
School
Cornell University
Degree Pursuing
Bachelors
Major
Marketing
Behavioral Traits
Enthusiastic
Procrastinates
Networks
Introvert
Bio
Wants to gain experience in digital marketing within the entertainment industry, looking for opportunities that are creative and dynamic.
Core needs
•
A simple and engaging tool to manage internship applications without feeling overwhelmed.
•
Needs prompts or motivational tools to keep the internship search and application process on track.
•
Wants to be able to network with other students and learn from their experiences.
Frustrations
•
Often forgets deadlines and misses out on opportunities.
•
Feels the current tools are too cluttered and not engaging.
•
Lacks a central place to get feedback on his resumes and interview techniques.
•
Forgets what apps she has left
Research
Name Of The Feature
Description Of The Feature
Intern Pulse
Simplify
Handshake
Detailed Application Tracking
Interview Scheduling
Document Management
Social Networking Features
Role-Specific Organization
Reminder Systems
Motivational Features
Mobile App Availability
Tracks every stage of the internship application process.
Helps schedule and organize interviews within the app.
Manages and stores documents like resumes and cover letters.
Allows interaction with other users, sharing updates and support.
Organizes applications by specific job roles (e.g., SWE, PM, UI/UX).
Sends reminders for application deadlines and interviews.
Includes motivational tools and community success stories.
Available as a mobile application for on-the-go access.
Simplify offers a user-friendly interface but falls short on comprehensive features like interview scheduling and peer support.
Intern Pulse introduces unique features such as peer review systems and motivational tools, addressing gaps in existing platforms.
LinkedIn is strong in professional networking but lacks detailed tracking and document management features.
Handshake and Intern Pulse excel in providing detailed application tracking and document management, tailored for student users.
Key Findings
Competitor Analysis
Problem Statement
Internship seekers often struggle with managing multiple applications, keeping track of various deadlines, interviews, and documents. They also feel isolated during this stressful process. My goal was to create a solution that not only organizes and simplifies tracking but also incorporates community and support features.
Goals
To streamline and enhance the internship application process by providing a centralized platform for efficient management and tracking of all application stages. This app aims to reduce stress and organizational overload through features like reminders, calendar synchronization, and real-time notifications. It also fosters a supportive community where users can share experiences and seek advice, while offering tools for improved interview preparation and feedback mechanisms for personal and professional development.
Empathy
Map
Surveys
Methodology: A survey was distributed to college students seeking internships.
Key Findings: A significant portion of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with existing solutions, citing a lack of comprehensive features that manage the end-to-end process of internship applications. Many highlighted the need for more robust reminder systems.
Empathy Mapping