Why did you decide to become a mentor?
I have always had a passion for teaching others, and mentoring helps fuel that interest by combining my love for product design with my dedication to helping others grow. When I was starting, I greatly benefited from the guidance of experienced professionals, and I wanted to give back in the same way. Being a mentor allows me to form long-term connections and witness mentees progress and achieve their goals, which is incredibly rewarding. Moreover, mentoring has enriched my own career by giving me fresh perspectives and keeping me connected to the latest trends and ideas in the industry.
How did you get your career start?
I’ve always been fascinated by psychology and human behavior but wasn't initially sure how to translate that interest into a career. A pivotal moment came when a friend introduced me to the emerging field of UX Design. I was immediately intrigued, and subsequently immersed myself in the subject, consuming any content I could get my hands on. I also proactively networked with HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) master’s students at my university to understand what it takes to break into the field.
One significant opportunity came through a program at my school called the UX Design Clinic, which involved working with a team of designers on real projects for local startups. Although this program typically only accepted graduate students, I was determined to join and managed to secure a spot by meeting with the program manager and passionately presenting my case. I gained invaluable hands-on experience via this program, which solidified my passion for the field. It was clear that Product Design perfectly combined my analytical and creative interests, offering the fulfilling path I had always sought.
After this, I secured a summer internship, continued my self-directed learning, and took on freelance projects to build my portfolio. These efforts paid off when I landed a job as a UX/UI Designer in corporate finance upon graduation. From there, I transitioned to a Product Design role at Codecademy, where I have had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the EdTech space for the last 3 years.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
Mentees typically come to me for guidance on career development, leveling-up, portfolio reviews, and advice on breaking into the product design industry. My mentorship sessions are structured to address individual goals, starting with an initial assessment of their current skills and career aspirations. I provide constructive feedback on their work, suggest resources for further learning, and help them build a strong portfolio that showcases their abilities.
Additionally, I offer support on soft skills such as communication, networking, and interview preparation, which are crucial for success in the design field. Mentees can expect a collaborative and supportive environment where they feel empowered to ask questions and seek advice.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
Thus far, my favorite mentorship experience has been working with two individuals who are building an AI-based educational learning tool from scratch. Their use case for mentoring was distinct from my typical mentorships, presenting both a challenge and an exciting opportunity.
I have provided comprehensive guidance, including product strategy advice, testing and metric planning, and UI design insights. This mentorship has allowed me to develop my consultancy skills while witnessing the impact of collaborative effort and innovative thinking firsthand. Watching their concept evolve has been incredibly rewarding, and although it’s still early in the journey, I am excited to be a part of it.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
Being a mentor has had a profound impact on my career and personal growth. It has enhanced my leadership skills, improved my ability to communicate complex concepts, and given me a deeper understanding of the challenges designers face at every level.
Mentoring keeps me grounded and reminds me of the importance of continuous learning and staying current in the ever-evolving field of product design. It also provides a sense of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that I am contributing to the success and development of future and current design professionals. Overall, mentorship has enriched my life professionally and personally by fostering meaningful connections and promoting a culture of learning and growth.