When a kind friend recommended that I check out a Mission Collaborative info session, I thought Why Not? Nine months later, I’m so glad I did. I had heard of design thinking, a key part of Mission Collaborative’s approach, through my time at a tech company and by reading “Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life.” I loved the concept of using prototyping to test drive different career paths, but struggled with making any significant progress in my career.

These days it’s difficult to ride the Metro or walk around town without seeing an ad for continuing education. Some promise career advancement or promotion into leadership roles, whereas others appeal to ideals of self-actualization. The D.C. region is full of smart, accomplished professionals, many of whom relocated to the area to pursue higher education and remained here because of employment opportunities. However, some can experience feelings of dissatisfaction or frustra