Fast-paced learning: Orientation Week at AC4D

So Monday (Jan 9) came, there was a lot going on and I was excited. Having recently arrived to Austin all the way from Lima, Peru (all by myself). I had been to the US before, but never to Texas let alone Austin. So everything was a bit overwhelming at start, until Monday came and we had a group lunch in which we got to know each other over great food (loved Tacodeli by the way), after that I felt relieved in the sense that I’ll be spending the next 9 months with great, easy-going people that are super knowledgable and kind to each other.

When the first class started, we went over the Design Thinking process, which was very -as we say in Spanish- “a la vena”, a concise and straight to the point overview of it and then immediately started working on deliverables.

The idea behind the first week of orientation is to go over the whole design process in a 5 day sprint, so students can get a hold on what its like to start from research and end up in a testable deliverable, which I think is great because it actually prepares you for a real world situation in which you have to pivot focus and deliver with a tight time constraint.

By day two we were already talking to people, which can be a bit intimidating at first, but rest assured everyone is very open to help, and if they’re not, just move on to the next one. I know this is easier said than done, but over time you’ll learn to overcome rejection and just focus on the people actually interested in answering your questions.

An advice I can give to people considering the program and woking a full 9 to 5, which is my case, would be to do it! It will for sure broaden your skillset, help you work under pressure, and you get to have fun while at it!

Just make sure to set some time apart, or organize your schedule in a timely manner, that way you can plan your day in ‘chunks’, so you don’t feel overwhelmed (as I did).

I hope my experience can be helpful for your, and if you’re considering to apply feel free to reach out!