presenting akimbo, adrienne rochetti
DESCRIPTION
Presented at SIX event: Social Innovation in the Marketplace: Getting our Young People back into JobsTRANSCRIPT
How it was…
Step 1: Attend College
Step 2: Secure a great job
Step 3: Career Growth & Prosperity
The Problem Today “Old models for higher education and employment no longer work in today’s job market and innovation economy.” -Michael Alon, Entrepreneur & Akimbo Co-Founder
• Rising costs to higher education & student loans
• Jobs deficit & increasing competiveness in the job market
• Antiquated systems for hiring and evaluating talent
• Mistreatment of young employees by market systems/corporations
• Accepted negative cultural dialogue around the potential of Millenials
Akimbo’s Solution
RESUME
The Akimbo brand is making a strong stance on how an individual’s worth, talent, and potential should be viewed.
AKIMBO
Building Community… …Among young entrepreneurs and job seekers.
We are in this together.
Uniting young job seekers and entrepreneurs
Online social connectivity around ideas and shared interests
Building a network of genuine supporters
Offline meet-ups
Custom content to tell “real” stories of both struggle and inspiration; giving our users a VOICE
Curating Relevant Opportunities Akimbo looks to connect our members with the jobs, internships, fellowships, volunteer events, project funding, and other opportunities to help them fulfill their dreams.
Partnering with forward thinking companies
Allowing all members to post and share job listings
Finding and sharing relevant and meaningful opportunities
Leveraging our own networks to aggregate more “exclusive” opportunities (opportunities that are posted mainly to the Akimbo community)
Authenticity & Human-Centered Design Akimbo was created by young entrepreneurs who deeply understand the issue from an authentic perspective.
Communication channels and feedback loops in place to allow for user input
• Connecting directly with Akimbo staff and leaders on AkimboConnect.com• Offline community events – focus groups, brainstorms, networking events• Targeted content on social media pages and email
Engaging other key stakeholders in the process
Member Growth & Development Akimbo is looking to partner with content and opportunity providers to help our users continuously enhance their knowledge and skills foundation.
Soft and hard skills acquisition (e.g. learn Photoshop or business plan writing 101)
Talks from the individuals and companies our users admire on relevant topics
Virtual internships/ portfolio building projects from our company partners
Funding competitions and other $$$ awards to help with the job-seeking process, freelance needs, and start-up ideas
Akimbo Custom Networks Akimbo is a platform technology for creating custom digital communities for nonprofits, social enterprises, and colleges/universities.
Niche digital networks for organizations working on professional development and resource access for underserved groups
Customized digital tools help individuals overcome the barriers specific to their situation
• Highlight special skills• Legitimize experiences• Enhance professional brand • Market their products • and services (for entrepreneurs)
Akimbo will transform antiquated hiring practices and counteract the one-size-fits-
all mold that currently exists in market systems around the world.