Skip to main content
University of Nebraska Omaha logo University of Nebraska Omaha
APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY

APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY
  • About Backback to Main menu
    • About
    • Leadership
    • Mission and Strategic Plan
    • Accreditation
    • Our City
    • Facts and Figures
    • Campus Safety
    • Buildings and Maps
    • Contact Us
  • Academics Backback to Main menu
    • Academics
    • Majors & Programs
    • Class Search
    • Catalogs
    • Academic Calendar
    • Colleges
    • Academic Affairs
    • Online Learning
    • International
    • Library
  • Admissions Backback to Main menu
    • Admissions
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • Graduate Admissions
    • Tuition and Fees
    • Financial Aid
    • Registrar
    • Visit UNO
    • Request Info
    • Apply
  • Student Life Backback to Main menu
    • Student Life
    • Division of Student Life and Wellbeing
    • Academic & Career Development Center
    • Accessibility
    • Housing & Residence Life
    • Inclusion
    • Service
    • Student Conduct & Community Standards
    • Student Involvement
    • Student Safety
    • Wellness
  • Engagement Backback to Main menu
    • Engagement
    • Office of Engagement
    • Campus Resources for Community
    • Service Learning Academy
    • Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center
    • Volunteer and Civic Engagement Programs
    • Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center
    • Faculty Resources
    • Student Resources
    • Voter Engagement
    • Community Engagement Partnership Initiative
  • Research Backback to Main menu
    • Research
    • Research News
    • Centers and Institutes
  • Athletics Backback to Main menu
    • Athletics
    • Baxter Arena
    • Omaha Mavericks Website
  • Alumni Backback to Main menu
    • Alumni
    • Transcripts
    • Thompson Center

Prototype

  1. UNO
  2. Student Life
  3. Achievement
  4. Academic and Career Development Center
  5. Prototype

“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 LogoPrototype 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.  

Process
1. Apply: Student Application Form
2. Schedule Overview Meeting with ACDC
(Handshake > Career Center > Schedule a New Appointment > Career Advising Appointment > Prototype Application & Information Session)
3. Get Matched


Employers
Want to serve as a Prototype contact? Learn more

Questions: Contact unoacdc@unomaha.edu


“Prototypes are a great way to start a conversation, and, more often than not, one thing typically leads to another. Prototypes frequently turn into unexpected opportunities – they help serendipity happen. Finally, prototypes allow you to try and fail rapidly without overinvesting in a path before you have any data.”  - Designing Your Life

 

 

 

  • Next Steps
  • Visit UNO
  • Request Information
  • Apply for Admission
  • The UNO Advantage
  • Our City (Omaha)
  • Just For You
  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Work at UNO
  • Faculty and Staff
  • A-Z List
  • Popular Services and Resources
  • my.unomaha.edu
  • Academic Calendar
  • Campus Buildings & Maps
  • Library
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Course Catalogs
  • Internships & Career Development
  • Bookstore
  • MavCARD Services
  • Military-Connected Resource Center
  • Speech Center
  • Writing Center
  • Human Resources
  • Center for Faculty Excellence
  • Affiliates
  • University of Nebraska System
  • NU Foundation
  • Buffett Early Childhood Institute
  • Daugherty Water for Food Institute
  • National Strategic Research Institute
  • Peter Kiewit Institute
  • Rural Prosperity Nebraska
  1. University Policies
  2. Privacy Statement
  3. Accessibility
  1. 402.554.2800

University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Nebraska Omaha, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182
  • © 2023  
  • Emergency Information Alert
  • MavsReport

Omaha Skyline

Our Campus. Otherwise Known as Omaha.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.

scroll to top of page