When I started writing my reflection paper on DT ( Design Thinking), I had no idea that it would transport me back in time. it forced me to reflect on actions that I did in the past that could have been prevented should I have known about DT. This paper helped me understand the step necessary to achieve better chances at success. During my writing I was please to realize that I started the DT process recently unbeknown to me. When I closed my business, I wanted to take my career to a different directions. I wanted to help people opening their business and avoid the same mistake that I did. So I observe my own past actions, I came up with a first solution : go to school to put academic credentials to validate my professional experiences. Now that I am almost done with college, I will ready to implement the rest of the DT to my project : Mom & P0p Consulting.
You can read my paper here : Borg_Assignment1.docx
I love the purpose of your new career. I wish you nothing but the best. Also, just like you, I noticed that I was using design thinking subconsciously. Which steps of the design thinking process did you catch yourself doing? For me, it was brainstorming and prototyping.
I would love to hear more about your story. I would be curious to learn why you have chosen to go to school as a way to validate your professional experiences? Is this feedback that you have received before, advice, or are looking for the actual knowledge to solidify what you have learned through your experiences. It’s exciting to hear you started the DT process and are not learning about how effective it is and how to properly conduct it.
When I closed my business, I wanted to go more into a corporate world ( finance and consulting ), in many instances I couldn’t apply for a job because it required a bachelor degree. Instead of waiting for maybe a company to close an eye on it, I registered for school. 4 years may seem a lot but time flies and I am so glad I did. School reinforced everything I learned on my own.
Thank you for the comment. I caught myself only when I learned about it and realized that my school path was part of the DT process.
Sometimes when you come back to school after a break, your purpose and focus is well defined. The idea of a “gap-year” is becoming more popular here and I see a big difference in the 18-yr old straight from high school and the 19-year old coming from a year of “doing stuff”.