Step 4

 

 

Launch

What it means to launch

Launching is the phase where your concept moves into real-world testing. A launch is a pilot—a small, controlled implementation designed to learn, refine, and validate your approach. It is not about scaling yet; the goal is intentional experimentation that generates insight before expanding to broader adoption.

Selecting a Pilot

When choosing where and how to pilot, consider whether the idea can be realistically implemented within your current constraints and whether it directly tests your core goal. Look for a setting that will produce meaningful insight, with supervisors and learners who are willing to engage and provide feedback. It’s also important to make sure you have the time, staff, and support needed to carry the pilot through thoughtfully.

Pilot Best Practices

Start with one to three departments to keep the pilot focused. Define what success looks like, prepare supervisors with clear guidance, and set expectations around roles and timelines. Gather both stories and data as the pilot runs, then use what you learn to refine the experience before scaling.

Looking Ahead

By reaching this point, you’ve done meaningful work. You’ve listened, learned, and taken steps to design student employment with greater intention and care. The insights you’ve gained will continue to support more equitable, career-connected experiences for working learners as you move forward.