The key strengths that set me apart and how I impressed the design agency.

What makes you stand out in the interview process?

In interviews, while most of us discuss our achievements, it’s the act of showcasing and demonstrating that truly leaves a lasting impression.

The story of how I got hired in less than 24 hours by a digital design agency

Upon completing my three-month tech boot camp at General Assembly, I actively shared content on LinkedIn and persistently reached out to recruiters and hiring managers in pursuit of a job opportunity.

Reached out to maybe over 100 people a day and never really heard back except from a few individuals.

Eventually, I connected with @Terris Johnson, who was a Senior UX Designer at Sagepath Inc at the time. He reached out in hopes of mentoring me on my journey. We met up and got some food at a South African restaurant. This engagement led to bigger and better things.

Photo by KOBU Agency on Unsplash

Having a mentor in the industry was a game-changer for me. I could reach out to Terris at any time with questions about the intricacies of the industry, seeking guidance on job-related challenges, or understanding nuanced processes. The wealth of knowledge and experience he offered was invaluable. More than just answering questions, Terris genuinely embodied the role of a mentor, consistently guiding, supporting, and ensuring that I was always on the right path. He truly kept his word and played an instrumental role in my professional journey.

I want to list out the importance of having a mentor:

Photo by Riccardo Annandale on Unsplash

Navigating the professional landscape can be challenging, especially when you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your career. This is where the invaluable guidance of a mentor comes into play. But why exactly do you need a mentor? Let’s break down the reasons:

• Guidance from Experience: A mentor brings years of industry experience to the table. They’ve likely faced the challenges you’re encountering and can provide insights based on their own journey. This first-hand advice can help you avoid common pitfalls.
• Skill Development: Beyond just industry knowledge, mentors can help refine your skills. They can provide feedback, recommend resources, and even offer training sessions. Their perspective can be critical in enhancing your skill set.
• Networking Opportunities: A mentor can introduce you to their professional network, opening doors to potential job opportunities, collaborations, or partnerships that you might not have had access to otherwise.
• Personalized Feedback: One of the most beneficial aspects of having a mentor is receiving personalized feedback. They can offer constructive criticism tailored to your specific needs, helping you grow and improve in targeted areas.
• Emotional Support: The professional world can be taxing, both mentally and emotionally. A mentor understands the highs and lows of the industry and can offer emotional support during challenging times, ensuring you don’t feel alone in your journey.
• Goal Setting and Accountability: With a mentor by your side, you can set clear, achievable goals. They can help outline a roadmap for your career and, more importantly, hold you accountable, ensuring you stay on track.
• Broader Perspective: Sometimes, we can get tunnel vision in our careers. A mentor, having been in varied situations and roles, can provide a broader perspective, helping you see the bigger picture and make informed decisions.

In essence, a mentor is more than just a guide. They are a confidant, a teacher, and often, a lifelong connection in your professional network. Investing time in building a mentor-mentee relationship can yield dividends throughout your career, ensuring you’re always on a path to growth and success.

A few months after getting acquainted with Terris, he was in the process of transitioning out of his role at Sagepath. He mentioned that they were on the lookout for a UX designer to fill his shoes. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity.

Photo by João Marinho on Unsplash

I scheduled an interview with two representatives from the company. Back then, my portfolio was straightforward, showcasing my identity and case studies – a clear testament to my capabilities as an app designer. Upon arrival, I was given a tour of the office. Later, I had the opportunity to sit with the company’s leadership and present my portfolio.

I showcased some of my standout designs, including a comprehensive case study for an architectural app. This innovative app captures floorplans, transforms them into 3D models, and then offers users an immersive experience by letting them interact with these models on their smartphones.

While this project was conceptual, it laid the groundwork for my proficiency in 3D and augmented reality. By incorporating AR principles, I ensured that this concept distinguished me from the rest. My interview with them was generally easy. I took in one question at a time while I was presenting.

https://vimeo.com/305372810

The second project I showed them, while not groundbreaking, aligned closely with the agency’s core competencies. Given their expertise in crafting E-commerce websites and apps, I wanted my work to resonate with their domain.

I collaborated with a team on a client project for NCR, redesigning a micro-site intended for customer onboarding to purchase a POS device. Once the primary user experience overhaul for the micro-site was achieved, I took the lead in creating a 3D model of the actual POS device.

This equipment, essentially a payment processing machine, accommodated an Android tablet and functioned as an in-store register. The purpose of this was to showcase the product the customer would buy. They can interact with this 3D preview. I got to a point where I displayed this 3D interactive product within the website prototype. I used my mouse to pan and orbit around the 3d object.