Design Thinking + Careers = Career Design
Conor Lynch
As a Career Designer, I help people design new personal brands, career plans, and income streams. My new book 'Multi-Me - The Career Multiplier Effect' out soon.
It came as a surprise to me but I was designing my career, long before I actually knew what I was doing. My career of experiments and action learning led me to some short courses in Design Thinking and Innovation. A previous stint in recruitment many moons ago meant I knew a little bit about careers and the short-term transactional nature of the job market. So when I was researching career planning, it seemed logical to see how Design Thinking could help in long-term 'Career Design'.
Design Thinking is a methodology for finding human needs and creating innovative solutions using design practitioners' tools and mindsets. IDEO founder David Kelley and Partner Tom Kelley define it as going beyond visual considerations or physical product development. This problem-solving approach can be creatively applied to various personal, social, and business challenges.
By using Design Thinking in personal planning, I set out to use a proven process to achieve career goals. With this in mind, the Multi-Me Model is created to fit within IDEO's Desirability, Viability, Feasibility (DVF) Framework. This framework ensures we create innovative career design solutions, from ideas to experiments, and right through to launch. In summary, to design your best life, you should maximise what is Feasible, Desirable, and Viable for you.
Career Design applies Design Thinking principles to career development, going beyond traditional career planning which is very short-term and employment-focused. It's a dynamic and intentional process that helps individuals craft career paths aligned with their unique talents, interests, values, and aspirations. Rather than following predetermined paths, Career Design empowers individuals to take control of their professional journeys.
Career Design enables individuals to build careers that bring joy and fulfillment by aligning work with personal values and passions. This approach helps professionals avoid feeling trapped in unfulfilling roles and navigate their professional journeys with confidence. They can respond effectively to changes and make informed decisions about their life direction. Through embracing failure as a learning opportunity, professionals can evolve as they grow and change personally.
Today's careers are shaped by remote work opportunities, increasing digital skills requirements, and global career possibilities. The impact of going sol, powered by automation and AI must be considered when designing future-proof career paths.
Obviously, I could write a lot more here but I just wanted to give you a little insight into Career Design, should you wish to talk to me about it.
MULTI-ME BOOK
In the meantime, my book project is progressing well and is in draft stage. Here is an overview and your feedback is welcomed. Message me if you would like to get on the waiting list for the first print run.
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CAREER DESIGN CHATS
As a self-styled Career Designer, talk to me if you want help to maximise your personal potential, personal brand, and lifetime earnings.
I would also appreciate any feedback on my newsletters.
Have a great week and see you next time.
Yours,
Conor