Some of the most valuable projects start unexpectedly. For me, this one began with a learning goal and turned into a solution our teams now rely on every day.
Starting with a Learning Mindset
I enrolled in a Microsoft Power Apps course on Udemy with a simple objective: to learn how low-code platforms work and explore how they can be used to solve real business problems.
Like many learning journeys, it included hands-on exercises and small projects. Near the end of the course, my work supervisor suggested something that would change the direction of my learning experience. I was encouraged to build a Meeting Room Reservation system as a practical project.
At first, it felt like just another assignment. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense.
Seeing a Real Problem Behind the Assignment
At work, meeting room bookings were a daily challenge. We had limited rooms, multiple teams, and no formal booking system. People would walk into rooms assuming they were free, only to discover someone else had already booked it. Meetings started late, and coordination became frustrating.
The course assignment suddenly felt very real. Instead of building something hypothetical, I realized I could create something that actually solved a problem we were experiencing.
Turning a Course Project into a Working App
Using Microsoft Power Apps, I started building a simple but functional solution. The focus was always on usability. I wanted something clear, visual, and easy for everyone to adopt.
The app connects with:
- SharePoint lists to store and manage booking data and
- Power Automate to keep reservations in sync and send updates.
With this setup, teams can:
- View all meeting room reservations in one shared calendar
- Create, edit, or cancel bookings easily
- Avoid double bookings through automatic room availability checks
What started as a practice exercise quickly evolved into a polished internal tool.
From Learning Exercise to Everyday Use
Once the app was shared internally, the impact was immediate. Double bookings stopped. Meetings began on time. Teams no longer needed to chase each other for confirmation. Seeing something I built as part of a learning course being used daily was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced how powerful hands-on learning can be when applied to real challenges.
What This Experience Taught Me
This experience showed me that learning does not have to stay theoretical. With the right mindset, even a course assignment can turn into a meaningful business solution. The Meeting Room Reservation App is not just about booking rooms. It is about turning curiosity into action and learning into impact.
And it all started with a single course and a willingness to build something useful.
Swornim Shrestha
AP Specialist
