If you were learning design from scratch in 2026, where would you focus your time?

I’m a Design Director with over 10 years of experience. I’ve mentored designers for a few years, but I’m now taking on a new challenge: teaching a 30 y/o career-switcher design from the ground up, covering visual/craft fundamentals, product processes, and organizational politics. I have a program structured, but given how fast the industry landscape, workflows, and tooling are evolving, I’d love to get perspective from the community. For senior designers / hiring managers: Looking back or hiring today, what foundational areas do you wish entry-level design education spent more time on? For juniors / career-switchers: What do you wish someone had taught you early on that you had to learn the hard way? Appreciate any insights or blind spots you might share!