What does your job entail?
As a User Researcher I plan, design, and carry out research activities to understand what users need from a system or product. These insights then guide improvements in the design process for those products and services. Ultimately, I am the voice of the user and it’s my goal to ensure our users’ needs, wants and challenges are heard.
Did you always plan to have a career in tech?
I always enjoyed the world of tech and IT. During my final year of college, we started coding and creating our own websites – which sparked an interest and made me consider taking a course within web development. But at the same time, I was interested in the creative space – so really wanted to combine the two. I knew I’d like to work within the tech space but at that age I didn’t know in what capacity, or even which tech roles existed!
What has your career path looked like so far?
My career path has not been the ‘typical’ one… whatever that means! I left college with a Digital Marketing & Social Media apprenticeship lined up. I chose this option instead of going to university , and for me personally, this was the best decision I’ve made. After my apprenticeship I worked in an agency as a UX Coordinator, meaning I was making teas and coffees on research days for clients and users, but also supporting my research team. After watching my colleagues conduct research sessions it struck a chord with me and I knew that this was what I wanted to do. I worked in this agency for four years working on big projects with big names such as: Amazon, RCI, Sainsbury’s, Direct Line and more. From here I worked for a cyber security startup as their first User Researcher, for the DfE on their TLevels project and most recently before joining Mercator Digital, I worked as a User Researcher on the Adidas account for just over a year.
Have you found it challenging breaking into your profession?
I think one of the most difficult things I’ve found about breaking the tech profession is my age and gender. What I mean by this is being a female in tech has never been easy, especially during the start of my career – aged 18 and not knowing what I wanted to do. I was also being immersed in the narrative that tech roles are only for males which, news flash, they’re not! I do believe that change and progress has been made, now that more females can get into tech roles and there’s more roles that fit within tech – rather than just being a Developer, QA, etc. Working within product and digital also falls within the ‘tech’ category. In terms of age, I started my career at 18 and in majority of the my jobs I’ve always been the youngest, which shouldn’t mean anything, but unfortunately it did. I still remember working on a project early in my career when I was 21 and was told not to tell the client my age, as it could be off-putting for them, making them worry that I don’t have enough experience. I think it’s so important to surround yourself with talented people who admire you for who you are and your work – rather than your age or your gender.
What could be done differently to combat the above?
That’s a tricky question! Companies need to start welcoming and accepting ‘younger’ employees, age doesn’t and shouldn’t get in the way – younger hires can bring their own benefits such as a fresh perspective and new ideas. And if a company makes you feel insecure or doubtful due to your age or gender, then they’re not worthy of you and your expertise.
How have you found working at Mercator Digital?
Working at Mercator has been such a refreshing experience, you are treated as an expert within your field, and everyone is so interested and keen to learn about you and what it is you do! There’s a family-like feel here at Mercator where everyone is treated respectfully and helps one another. It’s a healthy working environment!
What advice would you give to other women who may want a career in tech?
Never give up and don’t let anything or anyone get in the way! Continue learning, show off your accomplishments because why not… you should be proud and showcase them! Have confidence and continue to be passionate about what you do.