Problem Solving — Trusted Skills

Is important because it allows you to analyze and connect the dots to solve problems, big or small. Applying problem solving competencies to real-world situations - not just essays and exams - is key to proving your value as most problems’ employers face go beyond the obvious. They allow you to consider the past, present and future all at once and to come up with new ideas to make decisions. Your ability to consider evidence and apply it to a problem is an enabling skill and you need these problem-solving competencies for everything you do.

Analytical Thinking

“I consider opportunity costs when evaluating job offers, including distance, benefits, wage, and challenge.”

Curiosity

“I engage with groups and events outside of my own circle of influence.”

Creativity

“I started a blog to share experiences and photos while staying in touch with my entire family overseas.”

Systems Thinking

“When setting up a class schedule, I consider multiple factors including course workload, travel times, prerequisites for future classes, alignment to future goals, and part-time work schedule.”

Analytical Thinking is….

The ability to deconstruct issues into smaller, more manageable pieces, use evidence and reasoning to identify unique relationships between concepts and weigh the costs and benefits of the alternative actions available.

Curiosity is….

The ability to be curious and explore a deeper meaning than what is being overtly expressed. It can lead to the expansion of social networks and learning opportunities.

Creativity is….

The use of imagination or original ideas to create something new and appropriate for the problem at hand.

Systems Thinking is….

The ability to evaluate the interdependency of discrete components of a whole, as well how these components affect the whole and vice-versa. This includes an individual’s ability to understand complex systems, enabling the ability to anticipate potential outcomes and develop approaches to influencing these outcomes.

Problem Solving in Practice

Stefan’s family had immigrated from Serbia, and it was important to both himself and his family that he earn a university degree. However, he lacked confidence after spending 12 years in an education system that told him he didn’t conform well enough to be successful. Influenced by a lifelong love of video games, Stefan pursued a degree in computer science with his eyes set on designing games.

Stefan earned an internship at a video game design company, but it didn’t go exactly as planned. He quickly learned that playing video games was vastly different from building video games. Stefan accepted that he no longer wanted to develop video games, but he did have a passion for solving problems and developing software.

Upon returning home from his internship, Stefan was inspired by watching his father meticulously check his lottery numbers each week. Stefan thought he could provide a better solution. So, he did. He developed a mobile application that facilitated checking lottery numbers. The app received 20,000 downloads in its first year.

Stefan was able to think analytically, be creative, and use curiosity to not only develop an app, but find a career path he was truly passionate about. He also exhibited systems thinking by looking at the bigger picture of wanting a university degree but started with his passion for video games.