This list details what I’m hoping to learn and why. I chose to share some of my rationale just in case you find something relatable in it. I hope these help you on your journey in 2024!
The Fountain Institute — Facilitating Workshops
I’ve spent my entire career in start ups. I’ve learned a lot and in the recent year or two, found myself wanting to sharpen up on my workshop hosting skills.
I stumbled onto The Fountain Institute’s Facilitating Workshops…umm…workshop. Their offering hits all the areas I struggle with, so signing up was a no brainer. I’m hoping to improve on:
- Facilitation skills
- Including and leveraging the right participants
- Clarifying the outcomes
Cost: ~$1090
IBM SkillsBuild — Artificial Intelligence [FREE]
AI is the new domain to build knowledge and skills in. It has several user facing applications across many industries. Building foundational knowledge to understand application opportunities is top of mind going into 2024.
The comprehensive free resource covers basics like the history of AI, data structures and how AI makes predictions from data, AI and human language, and so much more!
Developing your personal leadership style — EdX [FREE]
The last couple of years have been an exercise in patience professionaly. I haven’t had guidance or help from managers for soft skills development, so I’ve relied on the online communities for it. This course continues building a bridge to cover a known gap in skill set. While soft skills are learned best by practicing, I love a good course that tells me what to practice when the opportunity arises.
This course focuses on self awareness, identifying personal values and style, and encourages being oneself. Learning how to present an authentic professional version of myself is an outcome I am looking forward to!
Figma Variables
Figma did the design world a solid when they introduced Variables this year. I’ve been diving into its application to design systems and prototyping, and excited to keep building up those skills and see what Figma does next.
There are a dearth of tutorials already available, so here are some I plan on seeing through in the upcoming weeks:
- Use Figma variables like a pro by DesignWithArsh
- Figma variables and advanced prototyping by DesignCourse
- Figma Study Hall
Managing Happiness — Harvard U [Free]
“Write your ending” are the words that struck a chord in me. In 2023, I focused very intensely on personal happiness and fulfillment. It entailed moving to a new city, career changes, physical and mental health, taking a break from social media, and much more. To continue on with the efforts of 2023, I am choosing to pursue an academic, guided approach to learn from those far from educated and happier than me.
Since happiness affects personal and professional lives, I add this course to my list of recommendations to level up at work in a holistic manner.
Hello! My name is Vi. I am product designer who’s trying to be better and do better everyday. Whether its improving my craft or myself, nothing is off limits and everything is a possibility in this quest. Get in touch with me www.vichetan.com, or find me on LinkedIn. Let’s chat! Thank you for reading this post!
