If your goal is to "provide an educational experience for new players," I would pick a profession that a lot of new players are likely to chose - Enforcer, Soldier, Martial Artist. I know when I was choosing my first character, I wasn't thinking "Oh I'm gonna be a badass Nanomage Shade" but rather thinking how cool one of the above mentioned professions would be.
Like you've said, it isn't an original idea - it's been done many times - even filmed. One fault about players that have documented this type of education game play (especially in Anarchy Online) is lack of explanation.
For example, one segment they will have no gear/implants/etc, the next part - they are in full cc/custom implants which as new players, don't know the process of obtaining and equipping said gear.
If you just want to make things different or challenging rather than completely educational, then go with...
THE BADASS NANOMAGE SHADE... of DOOM!!!11one
If it's the latter, go with Atrox Enforcer. Either way, it should be an interesting read - Good luck!