Heerdink's EdD Journey

As someone who is a part of the ever-evolving world of Information Technology, particularly with my focus on Higher Education, I’ve come to recognize the role creativity plays in both my professional and personal life. To me, creativity isn’t just an abstract concept or skill reserved for the gifted artist or painter; it is a tool in my toolbox that I pull out to tackle the challenges that come my way daily.

• Why is creativity important to me?

Creativity, in my own experience, is the heart of problem-solving and innovation. In the realm of IT, I navigate a landscape of complex systems and unpredictable challenges. Creativity is not merely useful, but it is a must-have. It is the force that propels me at times to look beyond the conventional “Googled” solutions to try and find possibilities where others might have hit a Reddit dead end. I also think it helps me develop a growth mindset which is vital in an industry defined by rapid change and continuous learning.

• How do I see creativity in myself?

I personally see creativity spark in me when I am confronted with IT challenges that defy the typical Google or Reddit search. It is at this moment I tap into my creative skillset by drawing not just from my vast technical knowledge but also from a broader understanding of human behavior, needs, and the unique landscape of higher education. Typically, my approach to problem-solving is holistic, not just about fixing a bug or patching a server, but about understanding the larger picture where technology interfaces with people, processes, and strategic goals. I believe this perspective allows me to develop solutions that are as human-centric as they are technologically sound.

• How do I see creativity in my work environment?

In my work environment, I am surrounded by a rich group for creative thinking. I am constantly inspired by the way my team approaches technical issues, often blending diverse skill sets and perspectives to find the right, maybe not always perfect, solutions. I believe our collaborative efforts are a testament to the power of collective creativity. The nature of our work often involves enabling and supporting the educational journey of students and the faculty that supports them. This kind of environment demands that we stay creatively agile to meet these needs. Whether it is ensuring we have robust cybersecurity measures in place or simply helping a student navigate a technical issue with their account, creativity is at the core of how we operate and make a positive impact in our academic community.

So, with all that being said, creativity in IT is far more than your typical theoretical idea. It is a practical everyday necessity that drives innovation, problem-solving, and personal growth. In the fast-paced, ever-changing landscape of technology in higher education, embracing creativity is not just an option, but it is a prerequisite for success.