Why has student engagement with Handshake's virtual career fair feature declined by 25% this quarter compared to last?

Introduction

The decline in student engagement with Handshake's virtual career fair feature by 25% this quarter compared to last is a significant issue that requires thorough analysis. To address this problem, I'll employ a systematic approach to identify, validate, and resolve the root cause while considering both immediate and long-term implications for the product and its users.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking there might be seasonal factors at play. Has this decline been observed in previous years during the same quarter?

Why it matters: Helps distinguish between cyclical patterns and genuine product issues. Expected answer: No similar decline in previous years. Impact on approach: If seasonal, we'd focus on adapting to known patterns; if not, we'd dig deeper into recent changes.

• Considering user segments, I'm curious about the distribution of the decline. Is the 25% drop uniform across all student types, or are certain groups more affected?

Why it matters: Identifies whether the issue is universal or specific to certain user segments. Expected answer: The decline is more pronounced among underclassmen. Impact on approach: Would guide targeted investigations and solutions for specific user groups.

• Thinking about recent changes, have there been any significant updates to the virtual career fair feature in the last quarter?

Why it matters: Helps pinpoint if recent product changes could be contributing to the decline. Expected answer: A new UI was implemented for the feature last month. Impact on approach: Would focus on usability and adoption issues related to the new interface.

• Regarding external factors, has there been any shift in the job market or recruitment trends that might influence student behavior?

Why it matters: Assesses if external market forces are impacting engagement. Expected answer: No significant changes in the job market have been observed. Impact on approach: Would shift focus to internal factors if external influences are minimal.