What KISK gave me?

Looking back at the expectations I wrote when I first joined KISK, I can honestly say it’s been a bumpy but really rewarding journey. I came in already working full-time as a UX designer, hoping to pick up the theory I couldn’t teach myself, work on real projects, and finally get a master’s degree in a field I love.

To be honest, balancing a demanding full-time job with the studies was really hard. There were a few moments when the workload completely wore me out and I was close to giving up on everything. Studying part-time also meant I didn’t have the time or freedom to get involved in all the extra projects and university activities that full-time, on-campus students could enjoy. If I’d been able to study full-time, I think I would have taken part in a lot more.

It was also quite noticeable at times that KISK belongs to the Faculty of Arts. Some of the courses were very abstract and quite philosophical, which felt a bit “up in the clouds”. But in the end, I actually enjoyed it. It was a real challenge, and I’m glad I went through it.

Looking at the program now feels a bit bittersweet. I am a little sad because the design path is only just starting to get really good. Right now, just as I am finishing school, they are adding a lot of new and super interesting design classes that I won't be able to take. Even with the newer design classes I did take, it was clear they were still testing them out. It often felt like a trial run, and some things weren't fully thought through yet. Still, it shows the program has a great future, and I am really happy that future students will have a much better chance to study design here.

Looking back, that was exactly the kind of challenge I needed. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me get over my fears, and taught me to look at technology in a much broader, more human way. I didn’t just learn the usual UX methods; I also explored things like digital identity, cybersecurity for non-profits, information architecture, and algorithmic thinking.

In the end, I’m really glad I went back to school. It pushed me to my limits, but getting through it made me a more well-rounded and thoughtful designer. I wanted to learn how to design things that help people instead of frustrating them, and this gave me a strong foundation to do exactly that. I’m proud I stuck with it and didn’t give up.