7A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

1. The hypothesis I have created is based on the opportunity of students needing internships to graduate. At times students look for internships as a necessity and don’t always find something meaningful. My idea is that through the university students can find meaningful, paying internships that provide real world experience prior to graduation.

2. The Who: Students looking to graduate and find meaningful experience.

The What: Unable to find quality experience

The Why: Internships are extremely competitive, which is expected. The problem lies within the fact that an internships is necessary for graduation in some majors.

3. Testing the Who: In this case the who remains even after pushing the boundaries. This is a need for students.

Testing the What: At first I saw this as an opportunity for nearly graduated students. This idea can be expanded to all students. With the addition of paying internships this can be a great opportunity to work while in school, and gain job experience in their desired field.

Testing the Why:  Many students only option is an unpaid internship. Although internships are invaluable it is important to get paid for doing work.

4.  While interviewing potential customers I found that many of them would love a program like this while others didn’t feel it necessary. Those who didn’t find it necessary said that they were able to find meaningful, paying internships independent from the university. When asked what would have happened if they hadn’t they were unsure if they would feel the same way, saying that they may have needed a program like this. All of the interviewees see this as a positive idea although a few would only see this as a backup plan, as they are skeptical of the quality of the program options. These interviews have definitely helped shape my hypothesis and have also kept my idea alive as a good plan.