“Creating new experiences through prototyping will give you an opportunity to understand what a new career path might feel like, even if only for an hour or a day.” - Bill Burnett & Dave Evans, Designing Your Life, Stanford D. School
ACDC Prototype Program
What is Prototype?
Prototype is a program through ACDC where we match you with an industry professional in a specific industry, company or career path that interests you. Prototype is meant to allow students to ask questions of these industry professionals to get a good sense of if this is the "right fit" for them. Prototype is a great way to get started networking.Here's a secret
Online job postings do not capture all jobs available. In fact, some findings suggest that only 20% of all jobs are posted online. This means 80% of positions are not within your reach. So what’s one to do?
You prototype.
Prototype is a program that will introduce you to new possibilities and new connections. Prototype aims to give you a kickstart so that you can take full ownership of your life design by matching you with a professional in an industry or job function of your interest.
Following thinkers from the Stanford D. School, we agree that conversations are a form of prototyping and can lead to new job possibilities that might otherwise not be top of mind.
We understand that for many, this approach may seem daunting. That’s precisely why Prototype exists – to ease your way into an unfamiliar network and give you the confidence to do this into the future.
FAQ
What is Prototype?
Prototype is an ACDC program that will connect you with an industry professional that is intended to spark your curiosity and expand your horizon into possible career options. You will be matched with an industry or job function specialist in the Omaha-area and will meet-up on a date of your mutual choosing.
Why participate in Prototype?
Let’s face it – when applying to jobs, it’s nearly impossible to determine if a position is the right fit for you. Instead of ONLY focusing on finding the perfect job online, opening your search by spending time learning about different job functions and organizations from real people can open your eyes to greater possibilities. And with greater possibilities, comes more opportunities for you to find your niche.
So instead of spending all your time fixated on crafting resumes with perfectly tailored cover letters to only online postings, let’s mix it up and dedicate more time to learning about the other 80% of jobs available through purposeful prototype conversations.
Note: Prototype conversations are not interviews. They are not intended to get you a job or internship. They are meant to help you become part of a new network and learn of new possibilities.
How do I participate in Prototype?
Simply fill out this short student application to apply.
After completing the application, schedule a short overview meeting with an ACDC career advisor to go over expectations as well as to help them learn more about you (visit Handshake > Career Center > Schedule a New Appointment > Career Advising Appointment > Prototype Application and Information Session. Then select a date and time.)
What organizations may I be matched with?
ACDC partners with many organizations in Nebraska. Based on your application and questionnaire results, we’ll look to pair you with a professional outside your normal network. For instance, if you already interned at Company X or have pre-existing contacts, we won’t pair you with someone at that organization because we’re assuming you may already have connections there.
What is the time commitment of Prototype?
Prototype seeks to emulate real-life experience. Typical conversations may be 30 minutes to one (1) hour. However, there may be opportunities for an office tour, sit in on meetings, job shadow, etc.
Will there be training on how to make the most of my Prototype day?
Yes! There will be several pre-Prototype day sessions offered that will introduce you to strategies to make the most of your conversation. We’ll even provide training on how to maintain the momentum for future prototyping.
What does Prototype require?
Prototype requires students to have an open mind. A big part of the program is to introduce you to a field or job function you may not be so familiar with and in turn – that may lead to new discovery.
This all sounds too good to be true. What does this cost?
There are no application fees or direct costs. Students will be responsible for their own transportation to the employer’s location. If transportation is an issue, you can always contact ACDC in advance and we can explore options.