Hi folks! I am Sutop Mukherjee, currently working as a UX Designer at IBM. My journey in design has been shaped by curiosity, critical thinking, and the belief that design is much more than a career path or an institution’s name. For me, the real essence of design education lies in nurturing the ability to reason, question, and create with purpose. I resonate deeply with Steve Jobs’ words: “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” This perspective reminds me that design is not about chasing prestige, but about falling in love with the discipline itself — the thought process, the craft, and the impact it creates. To all aspiring designers and mentees, I would say: don’t focus solely on getting into a reputed design school, but focus on building the mindset and skills that will make you a thoughtful designer wherever you go. A strong foundation in critical thinking, empathy, and problem-solving will carry you much further than a brand name. If you love the discipline, the right opportunities will follow. Regards, Sutop