JENNIFER SOTO

Major in Strategic Design and Management

LEARNING OUTCOMES: This semester I want to be able to have a basic understanding of coding and build upon the foundation I've learned. I have no experiance so this is all completely new to me however it seems like a good opportunity to learn something and then practice perfecting those skills. After completing this course, I want to be able to take what I learned and continue to dive deeper into this world.

CONVERSATION WITH OPEN AI

I'm a strategic design student looking for work. How can I turn that into a website?

CHATGPT: Creating a website as a strategic design student looking for work can be a powerful way to showcase your skills, portfolio, and personality. Here’s how you can structure your website:

How important are websites for job recruitment?

CHATGPT: Websites can be highly important for job recruitment, especially in creative and design fields like strategic design. While a personal website may not be essential for every job seeker, it is increasingly important in creative, design, and tech industries. It can significantly enhance your job search by providing a platform to showcase your skills, build your personal brand, and connect with potential employers. In a competitive job market, having a well-crafted website can be the difference between standing out and blending in.

In strategic design, what do employers look for in a website?

CHATGPT: In strategic design, employers look for specific qualities in a personal website that reflect the candidate’s skills, approach to problem-solving, and ability to deliver impactful design solutions. Here’s what employers typically look for: Showcase of Strategic Thinking, Demonstration of Process, Strong Visual and UX Design, Innovative and Creative Solutions, Clear Communication, User-Centered Approach, Adaptability and Learning, Strategic Vision and Thought Leadership, Professionalism and Branding. Employers in strategic design are looking for more than just a showcase of aesthetic skills. They want to see evidence of your ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, and deliver impactful solutions. Your website should demonstrate your process, creativity, and the tangible results of your work, all while reflecting a high level of professionalism and personal branding. A strong website can significantly enhance your job prospects by showcasing your capabilities in a way that resonates with employers in the strategic design field.

If I have minimal work to show, how can I best showcase my skills and problem-solving abilities?

CHATGPT: When you have minimal work to show, it’s essential to focus on quality over quantity and to creatively showcase your skills and problem-solving abilities in ways that highlight your potential as a strategic designer. Even with minimal work to show, you can effectively showcase your skills and problem-solving abilities by focusing on the quality and depth of your projects, creating personal or conceptual work, and clearly communicating your strategic thinking. Your website should be a reflection of your potential as a strategic designer, emphasizing your process, creativity, and ability to deliver solutions, even if the number of projects is limited.

What are the current trends in strategic design?

CHATGPT: Strategic design is an evolving field that blends design thinking with business strategy, focusing on creating innovative solutions that address complex challenges. Here are some current trends in strategic design: Design for Sustainability, Human-Centered Design (HCD), Systems Thinking, Digital Transformation, Experience Design (XD), Ethical Design, Remote Collaboration and Digital Tools, Focus on Well-being, Adaptive and Resilient Design, Strategic Foresight. These trends show how strategic design is becoming more integrated with business strategy, technology, and societal impact. Designers today are expected to think broadly and deeply about the implications of their work, creating solutions that are not only innovative but also ethical, sustainable, and future-focused.

What is the best advice you can give a strategic design student?

CHATGPT: Focus on blending creativity with practical strategy. Understand that design isn't just about making things look good—it’s about solving complex problems and creating value. Stay curious and always put yourself in the users' shoes. Real-world experience is crucial, so seek internships or projects that let you apply what you’re learning. Building a strong personal brand and networking with industry professionals can also open doors and offer valuable insights. Embrace feedback and be adaptable, as the field often involves navigating uncertainty and evolving challenges.

How do you recommend I stand out from other like-minded and skilled students?

CHATGPT: To stand out from other students with similar skills, focus on differentiating yourself through a combination of unique approaches and strategic actions: Showcase Your Unique Perspective, Create a Strong Personal Brand, Demonstrate Thought Leadership, Build Real-World Experience, Leverage Your Network, Focus on Problem-Solving Skills, Continuously Learn and Adapt. By focusing on these strategies, you can effectively differentiate yourself and make a strong impression in the competitive field of strategic design.

END