Target length: 2:45 to 3:00
Hi, my name is Jason Binong. I am an Information Systems student at UMBC, and my project for the IBM SkillsBuild AI Builders Challenge is Nexus AI, a career readiness coach for college students.
Students preparing for internships often track everything across different places: job boards, spreadsheets, notes apps, resume drafts, calendar reminders, and saved links. The problem is not only storage. The harder question is: what should I do next, and what evidence proves I am ready?
Nexus AI brings the full career workflow into one workspace. Students can track applications, certifications, projects, networking, interviews, skills, resume notes, and goals. The app then turns that data into readiness signals, skill gaps, priority alerts, and a weekly career plan.
Start on the dashboard.
This is the first-run workspace. It starts blank so students are not shown someone else's personal data. For the demo, I can load generic demo data.
Show:
- Career readiness score
- Active applications
- Skill coverage
- Priority Alerts
- AI Coach
- Weekly Career Plan
The important part is that Nexus does not just store information. It uses the workspace data to explain what needs attention. For example, if the application pipeline is thin, if projects are missing links, or if the target role has missing skills, Nexus turns those signals into next actions.
Open the Resume view.
The resume section helps students connect their project proof to stronger bullets and role-specific positioning.
Open the Case Study view.
The case study explains the product problem, system design, evidence, roadmap, and why this is more than a simple tracker.
The frontend is built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The backend uses Python, FastAPI, and SQLite, deployed on Render. The current coaching layer uses transparent recommendation logic so students can see why each action is recommended. The next version can connect IBM Granite or watsonx to generate more natural coaching while keeping recommendations tied to visible student evidence.
Nexus AI helps students feel less overwhelmed by turning scattered career preparation into a clear system of records, readiness signals, and next steps. My goal is to keep improving it into a practical career operating system for students.