What’s a DIY master’s?

In the fall of 2024, I took a leave from my company.

Interested in people and planet, I wanted to learn how the stories we tell shape our relationship with the natural world. When I couldn't find the perfect master's, I decided to make my own. I call it a “DIY” (Do It Yourself) master’s.

The idea was inspired by Tim Ferriss—author and entrepreneur—who became business-savvy by investing an MBA tuition’s worth in start-ups. Likewise, I'll spend what I would have on a master's to give myself the time to research and write about the issues that matter to me.

I decided my studies would be grouped by theme. So far, they are:

Theme 1: Changing Minds at City Hall
Theme 2: Misinformation
Theme 3: Food for Thought

What about you?

A DIY master's is a way to dig into something that matters to you. What would you learn about?

I'm doing my DIY master’s full-time, but one could complete theirs over several years—as many working professionals do.

Instead of reading bits here and there, make a study of it: set aside time, choose your curriculum, organize your research by theme, and share what you learn.

Teaching others cements your knowledge. It also helps the rest of us; there’s too much to learn and not enough time :)

I need your help.

Doing a DIY Master's has downsides: I don't have teachers or classmates, so I hope you'll be so kind as to point out where I go wrong, share resources, and compare notes. I know I have a lot of smart, thoughtful people in my network, and I hope to learn from you, too.