Problem Solving

I have been solving problems since the age of 7, first for school and then in life too. Since my first years in school and until the 12th grade, I have been solving problems in my math, physics, chemistry, and even biology classes. After I turned 15, I solved other types of problems too, real-life ones. Since I moved without my family to another country, I had to make my own decisions. As my family was not aware of the situation in Romania, they were not informed enough to give me the best advice. So, I had to solve many problems without any external help. That was the kind of independence I did not dream about when envisioning my student life in Romania. When I already got used to solving life issues, I started a bachelor's in economics which required me to solve finance and banking problems. After being well set in the finance world, I decided to explore educational opportunities in Croatia and then in the United States. Those experiences required solving other types of problems: adaptation to study in a foreign language and to the lifestyle in these different countries and cultures. 

There are many steps required to properly solve a problem. The first and perhaps the most important step in solving a problem is to define it.  After identifying the issue, it is important to establish a plan of solving it. Exceptional problem-solvers also prepare at least a backup option and explain the rationale for not considering other alternatives. In the case of a public policy, it is important to clarify the policy problem, examine the existing data, evaluate potential arguments, and then support the selection of only one with pros and cons. This is more challenging in the case of a group project because of different and sometimes conflicting ideas. However, working in a team has also the advantages of identifying more, if not all, potential best solutions. 

I applied a thoughtful analytical approach to solving a problem for my Public Policy Formation class. Specifically, I had to analyze a policy issue from Texas Legislature and provide a recommendation for improvement. To do this assignment, I first identified the problem: not enough incentives for aerospace and defense contractors to develop their activities in rural areas of Texas. I then explained the issue, identified its causes and consequences. By providing an additional competitive advantage for doing business in Texas, an amendment to the current law would further enhance its economy and reduce the unemployment rate. I then gathered information to support my recommendation, mainly legislative documents and research articles or books. After that, I analyzed the findings which supported the idea that incentives enhance the economy and reduce the unemployment rate. I selected the best ones for incorporation in my briefing paper. Finally, I presented the concluding remarks on why this recommendation is useful.