INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT
Guldi and Armtigate (2014) present the idea that creatives depend on an "instinctual sense of change from present to future" within their everyday lives. This project is an exploration of me, with the aim of answering the question what makes me, me? Through the following research questions, I will be analysing and reflecting on myself as an individual across various different topics: who am I? How am I special? What are my goals? How will I get there?
Using secondary and primary research methods, the project will develop as and when I discover new things about myself. All these areas link together to form the future me and each will culminate in a Recommendations section for myself going forward, in an attempt to reach my goals. Each section is addressed with an introduction and a 'food for thought' quote, hoping to provoke your thoughts as they did mine during my research.
Using secondary and primary research methods, the project will develop as and when I discover new things about myself. All these areas link together to form the future me and each will culminate in a Recommendations section for myself going forward, in an attempt to reach my goals. Each section is addressed with an introduction and a 'food for thought' quote, hoping to provoke your thoughts as they did mine during my research.
MY 5 YEAR PLAN :
what do i want to be?
FIGURE 1 - Uner, I. 2020. 5 Year Career Plan infographic.
MAKER? DESIGNER? TEACHER?
I have two paths in my future - making or teaching. But those routes require different skills and qualifications... originally, I wanted to work as a designer - but for myself instead of a company. After experiencing my MA and learning more about design research and design thinking I find myself wanting to teach; but what do I need to do to reach my goals?
Fuchs et al (1985) describe the phenomena that setting ambitious personal goals has more impact on achievement than physically achieving the goals themselves. In the form of a timeline, I mapped milestones - I knew my goals wouldn't just be career based, but would also focus on personal aspects such as skills building and creating my own brand. After creating this timeline, I evaluated my goals and offered myself some recommendations and potential avenues to success, in the form of a table (see Figure 2).
Fuchs et al (1985) describe the phenomena that setting ambitious personal goals has more impact on achievement than physically achieving the goals themselves. In the form of a timeline, I mapped milestones - I knew my goals wouldn't just be career based, but would also focus on personal aspects such as skills building and creating my own brand. After creating this timeline, I evaluated my goals and offered myself some recommendations and potential avenues to success, in the form of a table (see Figure 2).
my future: reflection
I started by creating a 5 year plan exploring three main questions:
where I am now? where do I want to be? how do I get there?
I started by creating a 5 year plan exploring three main questions:
where I am now? where do I want to be? how do I get there?
My main goal is to become a lecturer; I have enjoyed my time studying so much that I have been inspired to start teaching. I believe my subject specialties will lend themselves more effectively to higher education, especially at university level. In order to do this, I want to study a PHD in the area of Design Management as I want to build up my knowledge even more and begin producing research papers that I am passionate about. Figure 2 (below) details the different challenges and avenues to success I may have when looking at my 5 year plan.
By carrying out topical research (see Appendix 4 for primary research methodology) into the different aspects that make up my personality, I will be able to further identify areas for reflection and improvement if I want to become the best candidate for my future goals.
MY PATH TO SUCCESS
FIGURE 2 - Uner, I. 2020. 5 Year Plan strategy table.
RECOMMENDATIONS: HOW WILL I GET THERE?
Figure 2 gives a brief idea of the different resources I could use to reach my goals. It also presents potential problems I may face along the way; in order to become a teacher at any level, it is important to have in depth knowledge of the industry. For this reason, one recommendation I would make for myself is to gather more work based experience. Another aspect that may need further investigation is the idea of funding. As a student, I live off limited income and studying a PHD will only further delay my pursuit into the job market. Therefore, careful consideration of finance will need to be made before making any applications and further personal reflection on money management is needed.
HOW DOES THIS COURSE HELP ME?
I have already begun to pick up on aspects of Design Management that really interest me. The idea of becoming a design researcher is really appealing, and has only come to light through taking part in this masters course. This MA has also given the opportunity to meet key contacts, such as Mersha and Nick, who are currently in job roles that I aspire to. As part of my strategy in Figure 2, I can begin to gain advice from these contacts and hopefully build a relationship with PHD tutors within the university to hopefully continue my education. Being able to research myself in a dedicated module like this has also given my the chance to fully assess what my future goals are and set myself on that path.