Daniela Arango
I studied design in Colombia, and I have been specializing in CX design throughout my professional career. I have more than 5 years of experience as a strategic designer, working in consulting firms and having all kinds of companies from all industries as clients. I did my master's degree in MCXI as a way to academically validate my knowledge and take a step.
“My first piece of advice would be to prioritize based on your own criteria of value: this means that since the MCXI program is designed to have too many things going on at the same time (group work, individual work, many courses, many sessions, workshops, activities...), prioritize from the heart, thinking about what truly generates value for YOU. You won't be able to do everything, much less everything perfectly, so really focus on where you truly resonate.”
DEFINE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN ONE WORD
Life-changing.
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU THINK PROGRAM HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY?
I believe the program transformed me and helped me evolve in many ways: first, by pushing me out of my comfort zone and making me work, present, and study the entire program in English. Also, by having not only multidisciplinary but also multicultural teams, where the learning went beyond the academic to give me many life skills as a leader, as a person, as a human being. It broadened my view of the world and of design. I think there were courses that gave me very valuable tools to stand out in the professional world.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE?
Being in the classroom with the whole class, doing some crazy Andrew activity. Probably rock, paper scissors.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY THIS PROGRAM AT IE?
Because I had very good references of the program, both from previous students and teachers. I looked for plenty of programs, but this one was the best ranked - best pensum for what I needed.
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE MAIN CHALLENGES THAT YOU ENCOUNTERED ON YOUR WAY? HOW DID YOUR MASTER PROGRAM AND IE HELP YOU THROUGH THESE CHALLENGES?
My biggest challenges were related to team management (personalities, cultures, self-awareness) and also balancing university time with my personal life. I think sharing my problems with my master's friends, receiving advice, working on myself to get to know myself better every day, and from there making conscious decisions helped me.
WHAT IS NETWORKING LIKE?
The university's networking is very good. I think that is also a skill that must be built and strengthened personally because it requires many skills, personal goals, and new ways of relating to others. However, I believe that in our master's program specifically, since almost no one has a background in the subject, the network is more limited. It is not as focused on the field of action.
