As students near the end of their education, they begin to look for potential careers. And it is a well-known fact that those with prestigious internships have a much higher likelihood of landing a high paying position than those without key resume-builders.
That is why I would like to create an operation that is similar to an employment agency. We would focus on placing less privileged youth with companies looking for paid interns. I want to connect employers with young talent who have the personality traits and ambitions that make them great candidates even if they lack the experience or privileges that typically would earn them such an opportunity.
For example, a young adult who had to complete their Work Study on-campus at the bookstore the first few years of college could work as an accounting intern at a reputable and socially responsible organization that will compliment her accounting major. Another person who could quality is a young adult with a great personality and a passion for baking in their kitchen. This person would love the opportunity to work side-by-side bakers at a local bakery that would usually not think to recruit an intern.
This could be a great concept because it fosters change instead of charity. This operation would also help grow young people-- as well as local businesses-- at a minimal cost to both parties. My main question is would this be a charity program or a profitable business? And if it were the latter, how would the company generate income?
I look forward to developing this idea and ultimately making the world a better place!
That is why I would like to create an operation that is similar to an employment agency. We would focus on placing less privileged youth with companies looking for paid interns. I want to connect employers with young talent who have the personality traits and ambitions that make them great candidates even if they lack the experience or privileges that typically would earn them such an opportunity.
For example, a young adult who had to complete their Work Study on-campus at the bookstore the first few years of college could work as an accounting intern at a reputable and socially responsible organization that will compliment her accounting major. Another person who could quality is a young adult with a great personality and a passion for baking in their kitchen. This person would love the opportunity to work side-by-side bakers at a local bakery that would usually not think to recruit an intern.
This could be a great concept because it fosters change instead of charity. This operation would also help grow young people-- as well as local businesses-- at a minimal cost to both parties. My main question is would this be a charity program or a profitable business? And if it were the latter, how would the company generate income?
I look forward to developing this idea and ultimately making the world a better place!
Hey Campbell! I laughed when I read this because this was a flash back to when Professor Adlai Wertman, the chairman of the Lloyd Greif Center of Entrepreneurial studies, came to speak to my WBB class and he talked about his company Chryallis doing exactly what you are talking about. The only difference is they were doing it for the homeless on Skidrow. The most interesting part about working with lower income students is that while they are always eager for opportunity, sometimes more than more fortunate kids, they having fundamental barriers in the way. How did you propose to solve the issue that many times these students have to pass up on opportunities because they have to be the breadwinners of the household or have to take care of a parent. I know this is a tough question but I think a interesting solution was to create a community amongst they students so that their parents can support one another while the students can get valuable experience without worrying about their families
ReplyDeleteCampbell, I believe that online freelance work will truly break some of the barriers associated with geographical location. You should check out a fellow senior's startup, Algo. They are a freelance marketplace for Syrian refugees — and other demographics — to do work online and remotely. There's a huge body of STEM educated Syrians, which is why they are the primary group.
ReplyDeleteI think ventures like this incite a lot of change, and I hope it helps inspire you on your journey to change the world!
Great post!
Hi Campbell! This is a very interesting idea and the business model make sense. It tailors a pretty unexplored market of students and people with fewer "key resume-builders." This company should definitely be a for profit firm, instead of non-profit. In terms of sales, company's website could have advertisement and (crazy thought) take a small commission for a few months (maybe up to a year?) for helping a customer find his or her new job.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, the problem that many of the prestigious firms (for the most part) look at the "key resume-builders" sits at the heart of our society. It goes similar with way with the SATs, which is an easy tool for colleges to evaluate applicants (doesn't mean it works all that well).
Hey Campbell,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great start-up idea. Many students struggle to even have access to numerous job postings as some are selectively available. However, the biggest flaw in this system is that some jobs are only available in certain top colleges. If somehow the business can introduce a subscription model that allows students to pay for different levels of services, it would be more convenient.
Campbell,
ReplyDeleteI really love this idea! I find this to be a creative start to solving a problem that has been very prominent in the past few decades, and that is the issue of equalizing the opportunities for careers across social levels. Thankfully, many of us students at USC were born into circumstances that allowed us to have the privilege of coming to this school, and most likely finding a well-paying job after graduation. However, not every child is as lucky as we are. It simply isn't fair that some people are unable to express their ideas an talents simply because they lack financial or physical access to opportunities. This startup could perhaps begin as a profitable business and evolve into a charity? or vice versa? I think this idea would be a perfect opportunity for our pitch!