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Starting the Strategic Design and Management program at Parsons this fall—does anyone have any tips or advice for making the most of my time there I'd love to hear both academic and life advice? #Spring25
Hi everyone! 😊
I’m starting the Strategic Design and Management program at Parsons this upcoming fall, and I’m super excited (and a little nervous, not gonna lie). I’d love to hear from anyone who’s either in the program now or has gone through it before—what are some things you wish you knew when you started?
Any advice on making the most out of the classes, professors, or projects? And on the flip side, any challenges I should be aware of or tips for staying on top of things?
Also, I’d really appreciate any life advice—like ways to get involved, make friends, or just feel more at home at Parsons or in NYC in general. Whether it’s about navigating the creative culture, balancing school and life, or even favorite study spots or cafes, I’m all ears!
Thanks so much in advance! 🙏
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Bijan!
Big congrats on starting at Parsons, and in such an exciting program too! Lemme say this that you are gonna be in for a ride full of innovation, collaboration, and you might even end up feeling like a design hero when you get those surprising aha moment. Basically, I myself ain't in this path but I can tell you a few things which I hope helps.
For Academic Tips, I would just say.... Thrive, Don’t Just Survive!
Talk to your professors early and often. Parsons profs are often working professionals. They’re plugged into the design world and love mentoring curious minds. Don’t wait till midterms to introduce yourself. Just going and saying hi or asking a question can just start or spark something you never know. So, don't be shy or nervous, which you probably will be at first.
Remember also that the program values unique perspectives. Bring your own flavor to projects, even if it feels weird at first. Strategic design needs diversity in thought.
Next I had say, Document everything. You’ll be working on a lot of iterative projects, sketches, prototypes, research. Keeping track of your creative process is great when it comes time to reflect, present, or build your portfolio.
Lastly, Balance creativity + strategy. You’ll toggle between right brain and left brain constantly. Embrace it. Strategic thinking doesn’t dull creativity but it amplifies it.
For the Project & Portfolio, I can tell you just 3 things that are tops. First, Say yes to group work, but know your worth. Collaboration is huge at Parsons, but don’t let your ideas get swallowed. Speak up, show up, and learn how to build with, not over.
Second, start building your portfolio from day one. Honestly I have seen a lot asking me about portfolio and even I myself got advice to do this first hand not only from my professors or seniors but whom ever I have had an interview with. Even class assignments can go in. Don’t wait till the last semester to curate your work.
Third, Network horizontally. Your classmates today are future collaborators, co-founders, maybe even investors. Dont look down on this, in the coming future we all need one another and a little advice or support, maybe you will be a helping collaborator to them or them to you, you will never know but networking will save you a lot of moments of lost in the drizzle and even help come up with ideas you never know you had or could.
I never been to Parsons and about NYC and what I can say.
Going general of the very primary thing to keep in mind is to Say hi first. As far I have heard from some NYC can feel cold at first, but you’d be surprised how many people are craving connection too. Smile. Compliment someone’s shoes, not literally but yea some actually would be surprised you noticed. Start a convo in the cafeteria. Trust me this question you are asking once you go there everyone is hyped in that brain wanting to know who should start and they just are too nervous to start or perhaps a little scared.
Next I had advice you to explore outside the Parsons bubble. It’s easy to get stuck in studio. But the city is a living lab, you should know too. Attend public lectures, gallery openings, design meetups. Hit up The New School events too! I have gone through multiple countries during my education and these really give you not just moments to build or connect but also experiences you had be glad you got.
Now I heard of two coffee shops you can totally thrive with, so go ahead and try Everyman Espresso near Union Square or Think Coffee, you’ll find other creatives buried in sketchbooks and cappuccinos actually.
Lastly Bijan, Remember! Self-care = survival. New York runs fast. Parsons runs faster. Build in nothing time. Walk the High Line. Journal in Washington Square Park. Don’t burn out trying to be brilliant 24/7. Be yourself and love what you do and know you are gonna do amazing.
Keep your curiosity louder than your fear. You're not just starting a program but you’re stepping into a world that needs thoughtful, strategic creatives. And from your energy? It sounds like you're exactly the kind of spark Parsons will love having around. Rooting for you, Bijan! Go crush it and reach out anytime you need, we are here for you buddy.
Be flexible—projects will pivot, feedback will sting, and sometimes you’ll wonder what the in the world "design management" even means. That’s okay.
Say yes to weird opportunities, they often lead to your most meaningful work.
Big congrats on starting at Parsons, and in such an exciting program too! Lemme say this that you are gonna be in for a ride full of innovation, collaboration, and you might even end up feeling like a design hero when you get those surprising aha moment. Basically, I myself ain't in this path but I can tell you a few things which I hope helps.
For Academic Tips, I would just say.... Thrive, Don’t Just Survive!
Talk to your professors early and often. Parsons profs are often working professionals. They’re plugged into the design world and love mentoring curious minds. Don’t wait till midterms to introduce yourself. Just going and saying hi or asking a question can just start or spark something you never know. So, don't be shy or nervous, which you probably will be at first.
Remember also that the program values unique perspectives. Bring your own flavor to projects, even if it feels weird at first. Strategic design needs diversity in thought.
Next I had say, Document everything. You’ll be working on a lot of iterative projects, sketches, prototypes, research. Keeping track of your creative process is great when it comes time to reflect, present, or build your portfolio.
Lastly, Balance creativity + strategy. You’ll toggle between right brain and left brain constantly. Embrace it. Strategic thinking doesn’t dull creativity but it amplifies it.
For the Project & Portfolio, I can tell you just 3 things that are tops. First, Say yes to group work, but know your worth. Collaboration is huge at Parsons, but don’t let your ideas get swallowed. Speak up, show up, and learn how to build with, not over.
Second, start building your portfolio from day one. Honestly I have seen a lot asking me about portfolio and even I myself got advice to do this first hand not only from my professors or seniors but whom ever I have had an interview with. Even class assignments can go in. Don’t wait till the last semester to curate your work.
Third, Network horizontally. Your classmates today are future collaborators, co-founders, maybe even investors. Dont look down on this, in the coming future we all need one another and a little advice or support, maybe you will be a helping collaborator to them or them to you, you will never know but networking will save you a lot of moments of lost in the drizzle and even help come up with ideas you never know you had or could.
I never been to Parsons and about NYC and what I can say.
Going general of the very primary thing to keep in mind is to Say hi first. As far I have heard from some NYC can feel cold at first, but you’d be surprised how many people are craving connection too. Smile. Compliment someone’s shoes, not literally but yea some actually would be surprised you noticed. Start a convo in the cafeteria. Trust me this question you are asking once you go there everyone is hyped in that brain wanting to know who should start and they just are too nervous to start or perhaps a little scared.
Next I had advice you to explore outside the Parsons bubble. It’s easy to get stuck in studio. But the city is a living lab, you should know too. Attend public lectures, gallery openings, design meetups. Hit up The New School events too! I have gone through multiple countries during my education and these really give you not just moments to build or connect but also experiences you had be glad you got.
Now I heard of two coffee shops you can totally thrive with, so go ahead and try Everyman Espresso near Union Square or Think Coffee, you’ll find other creatives buried in sketchbooks and cappuccinos actually.
Lastly Bijan, Remember! Self-care = survival. New York runs fast. Parsons runs faster. Build in nothing time. Walk the High Line. Journal in Washington Square Park. Don’t burn out trying to be brilliant 24/7. Be yourself and love what you do and know you are gonna do amazing.
Keep your curiosity louder than your fear. You're not just starting a program but you’re stepping into a world that needs thoughtful, strategic creatives. And from your energy? It sounds like you're exactly the kind of spark Parsons will love having around. Rooting for you, Bijan! Go crush it and reach out anytime you need, we are here for you buddy.
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