Professional development is often described as “climbing the corporate ladder.” It implies the employee has a careerist bent, and a narrow, steady focus to reach the next rung. Often, such a linear orientation is not of interest to designers. Many don’t seek to climb so much as to grow. Their motivations are more internal, pursuing mastery, seeking autonomy, following threads of personal interest, and tackling challenges that align with passions. This bushy, meandering growth is more like climbing the corporate trellis.
