To keep up with the kids
Why I returned to higher education
On Sunday 10th September, at 9:56pm, I handed in my final assignment.
That’s Sunday 10th September 2023.
During lockdown ( I know, I know, Lockdown was ages ago). I made a hard pass on learning how to bake banana bread and decided to undertake ‘further education’.
Like many, the past three years have seen my professional and personal life change exponentially, some good, some not so, some because of the changes the pandemic brought and some just the natural wheel of progression. But all pretty damn beneficial to my own personal growth. Having had a previous mentor/boss throw in my face (several times) - that "I didn't have a design degree, so what would I know?"... (true story), I decided on a BA Hons in Design and Innovation.
So, before you switch to a less preachy article, let me explain why the most rewarding, growth-enhancing milestone to happen during those three years was the decision to go back to school…
But there I was, in the middle of lockdown, with nothing better to do than watch baking tutorials on YouTube. After a few failed attempts, I gave up and decided to do something else with my time. Something more productive. Like going back to school.
I know, I know. I'm a grown-ass woman with a successful career as a Creative Director, I don't need to go back to school. But I don’t know everything and couldn't shake the feeling that I was missing something. So, I enrolled in a BA Hons in Design and Innovation. And it was the best decision I ever made.
A critical component was studying for a second degree in design and innovation (my OG is BA Hons Fashion…). Not only did it broaden my knowledge and skills, but one of the most significant benefits wasn't necessarily the ability to think more critically and creatively, I had learned how to do that 'on the job'. But the confidence it brought knowing what I was doing wasn't any different (or wrong) to those around me who had studied more specifically.
This allowed me to approach problems from multiple perspectives and develop unique solutions with a bigger dose of confidence. I also (somewhat thanks to remote working and studying) had the privilege of collaborating with talented and diverse individuals, which helped me to expand my network and gain exposure to different cultures and ideas.
The world of design is an ever-evolving field, and as such, those entering the workforce after graduation may face new and exciting challenges vastly different from what they were taught in school. Design graduates today are encouraged to look at the industry through fresh eyes, exploring new techniques and technologies that allow them to break free from traditional design norms. This shift towards a more innovative approach is changing how these graduates work, creating a more dynamic creative landscape that demands a willingness to experiment with new ideas.
This is vastly different from the teachings I received, sticking like glue to old norms and processes because that was the way it had always been, It was refreshing to see how these tried and tested methodologies that I’d unofficially picked up were still present but in albeit different ways.
There is nothing quite like the feeling of rediscovering your energy and motivation. For me, it was a game-changer. It propelled me to stay ahead and on top of my game. My newfound vigour allowed me to take on challenges I may have shied away from and achieve great things I never thought possible.
Pursuing further study or a career change can seem daunting but taking that first step and committing to the process is key. One piece of advice to others considering embarking on this journey is to trust the process and be patient with yourself. Adjusting to new routines and academic demands may take time, but sticking with it will ultimately pay off. Seek a support system, whether friends, family, or colleagues, to help you. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. With perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to learn, you can conquer any challenge and achieve your goals.
Not only did I learn a ton of new stuff, but I also gained a lot of confidence. I realised that I was just as capable as anyone else, even if I didn't have a design degree. Of course, there were challenges along the way. I had to juggle work, study, home life, etc., but I pushed through, and I'm so glad I did. Because now I feel like I can take on anything.
So, if you're considering returning to school, I say go for it! It's never too late to learn something new. And who knows, you might even have some fun along the way. Just be prepared for the imposter syndrome. It's real, and it's not going to go away overnight. But the more you learn, the more confident you'll become.