d-school: What did you study, and why did you choose that specific field? 

Ameera: I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science, majoring in Politics and Governance and Sociology. Interestingly, I didn’t intentionally choose this field—it was a bit of an accident. I had applied for a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE), but somehow didn’t realise I’d been accepted for a general BSocSci instead. It wasn’t until registration day, when I was battling a fever, that I noticed my mistake and had to quickly decide on my majors. It’s a moment I’ll never forget!

d-school: What were your earlier aspirations before starting university? 

Ameera: I’ve always been passionate about creativity, but I never had a clear idea of what I wanted to pursue. I considered many different career paths, from becoming a pilot to studying music, graphic design, or architecture. I was never the type of person who had their heart set on a single career.

d-school: Did you have any fears along the way? What personal challenges did you recognise before joining the Foundation Programme in Design Thinking?

 Ameera: One of my biggest fears was not being able to figure out the right career path for myself. It seemed like everyone around me had a clear sense of direction, but I often felt lost. I also struggled with self-confidence and trusting the process. I knew I needed to push myself into a situation where I could develop these areas, and that’s why the Foundation Programme in Design Thinking felt like the perfect fit. I needed a challenge that would force me to trust my abilities and gain confidence in my decisions.

d-school: How did the Foundation Programme help you grow in those areas? 

Ameera: The programme did exactly that. It pushed me into situations where I had to rely on my own instincts and trust myself. The environment at the d-school was so different from traditional education systems, which made it easier for me to thrive. It was flexible and creative, allowing me to express myself without fear of judgement. This open atmosphere encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and explore my potential. The programme became a launch pad for my personal growth, giving me the confidence I needed to embrace my journey.

d-school: What was your initial experience in the programme? 

Ameera: I enjoyed every moment of the programme. It was incredibly engaging and felt like a good fit for my creative personality.

d-school: What was your experience after completing the programme? 

Ameera: After completing the programme, I noticed a significant change in how I approached problem-solving. I became more intentional in my thinking, applying the design thinking framework to various challenges in my life.

d-school: Where are you now in your career journey? 

Ameera: I’m still at the beginning of my career journey, with plenty to learn and achieve. I’m excited about what the future holds and am eager to continue growing professionally.

d-school: What role did design thinking play in getting you to this point? 

Ameera: Design thinking was a huge source of inspiration and motivation at a time when I felt lost in my career. It helped me see problems differently and gave me the tools to approach them with confidence and creativity.

d-school: How has design thinking shaped your life? 

Ameera: It has had a profound impact on how I solve problems. The step-by-step approach of design thinking gives me a practical way to tackle challenges, whether they’re personal or professional.

d-school: How do you apply design thinking in your day-to-day professional life? 

Ameera: As a content creator, I deal with feedback on a daily basis. Design thinking principles have helped me stay open-minded when receiving input and guide the conversation toward valuable, actionable feedback that aligns with the project’s goals and constraints. The programme taught me how to communicate effectively with my team and superiors, ensuring that we all work toward a shared vision.

d-school: What advice would you give to students who are unsure about pursuing studies in design thinking? 

Ameera: I’d tell them that they have nothing to lose by trying. Design thinking offers a fresh perspective on problem-solving, and the benefits can be surprising. It might even help you in ways you never anticipated.

The Foundation Programme in Design Thinking at the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika has the power to transform not just your professional capabilities, but also your personal outlook. For Ameera, it was a pivotal moment in her journey, helping her develop the confidence, mindset, and tools needed to navigate her career. Through design thinking, she found not only solutions to creative challenges but also a clearer direction for her future.

This programme offers an innovative, practical, and inclusive approach to tackling complex problems, proving that it can be a launch pad for personal growth, professional development, and impactful change.