NextUp is an application designed to help people who are considering changing their career by enabling users to match their dream career, plan for a good transition start, and get support from the community.
How might we help people navigate a new career path and start a successful career transition?
6.2m
4%
According to 2015 and 2016 data from the Current Population Survey, about 6.2 million workers (4 percent of the total workforce) transferred from one occupational group to another.
The chart below revealed the worker mobility of several occupation group from 2015 to 2016.
People who are considering changing their career paths
To better understand the pain points and user needs, I conducted in-depth interviews with three people in an architect transition community. I also found a website Careershifters where people share their challenges in the career change process. Here are some quotes I got from my interviewees and the forum.
How do I see past my old career, to find a new one I could love?
How do I find the information I need to carve out a clear route to work I know I’ll enjoy?
All this means it’s hard for me to picture where I might fit into the consulting industry, and what kind of approach I would need to make.
If it doesn’t work out, I might not be able to go back, and then all my time and effort will have been wasted.
The process of career change feels incredibly daunting, and I don't know how to make it happen.
Pain Points
User Needs
It’s hard to choose a specific new career path from so many possibilities.
Lack of information and resources about new careers or new industries.
Concerned about the risks and have no idea how to take the first few steps.
Enable users to compare and match career options easily
Provide clear, organized, and helpful information
Promote mutual help and encouragement within the community
Help users set up the practical plan, keep tracking the progress and get positive feedback
