Unlocking Success Through Collaboration: My Journey in Design

A Winning Essay from the Design Leadership Conference Student Essay Competition 2023

 Collaboration is undeniably the most invaluable skill I have come to appreciate and embrace in the past 8 months. Initially, I might have considered it a generic response, but my perspective shifted completely during my design classes. In my sophomore year's first semester, I held reservations about group projects. However, as I progressed into courses aligned with my Technology & Information Design major, my perception changed drastically.

Throughout these classes, nearly every assignment required collaboration. My initial hesitations arose from unfamiliarity with working in a group setting, but that changed as I delved into discussions about topics I was genuinely passionate about, like social change. Engaging with peers who shared similar interests and dedication was refreshing and I found myself gravitating towards health, especially women's health, which has always been significant to me.

This newfound camaraderie led to lasting friendships and multiple collaborative projects. Embracing diverse perspectives from individuals with distinct backgrounds, united by a passion for design, made me even more enthusiastic about pursuing UX design.

Then, another significant change occurred during the Design Makeathon, a 24-hour design hackathon. To challenge myself, I opted to collaborate with entirely new individuals. It turned out to be the best decision ever, as I was placed with an amazing group that taught me invaluable skills in prototyping and design artifact creation. One team member patiently guided me through these processes, facilitating my efficient contributions to the group's efforts. Moreover, I gained insights into accessibility practices and their integration with design choices.

The Makeathon experience became a pivotal aspect of my portfolio, eventually leading to securing a coveted summer internship. Learning to collaborate effectively and seamlessly with others has been the defining skill that profoundly influenced my academic and professional journey.

In conclusion, the skill of collaboration, which I initially underestimated, has proven to be the cornerstone of my growth as a student and aspiring professional. It has not only enabled me to achieve exceptional results in group projects but has also enriched my perspective through exposure to diverse ideas and backgrounds. I am deeply grateful for the invaluable experiences and the profound impact collaboration has had on shaping my future endeavors.