Q: What inspired you to pursue a degree in HCDE?

A: I was inspired to join the HCDE program because I came into college with a strong interest in design but also a desire to learn coding and technical skills alongside that. I felt that Human Centered Design & Engineering would expose me to those technical and critical thinking skills a bit more than a traditional design program. Through HCDE, I gained exposure to coding classes that I really enjoyed as well as design fundamentals. I've always considered myself someone who loves being interdisciplinary, and I felt that HCDE was one of the programs that gave me a chance to still seek an interdisciplinary education.

Q: Tell us about an experience in HCDE that has influenced your career goals.

A: Like all undergraduate HCDE students, I had to take several research-based classes to complete my degree. While I appreciated the opportunity to learn a wide variety of skills in HCDE, taking these classes definitely solidified that I have no desire to be a researcher! I am really thankful I had the opportunity to figure this out the more harmless way in school instead of at my first internship or job. I also loved taking the classes where we would complete a project from start to finish, and this made me realize that a smaller, agency-type company would be a better fit for me than a larger company that requires more specialization on one part of the process.

Q: What have you been doing since graduating?

A:Since I graduated, I have been working full-time as a designer/developer at a digital strategy agency called Formative. Alongside that, I co-founded a small marketing and design agency called BXE Creative, specifically for providing affordable tools and services for startups ready to expand their brand. On a daily basis, I am involved in web design/development, data visualization, branding, social media marketing, and other various projects. I don't think all of these skills come directly from HCDE, but the design process, prototyping, testing, and other methods are all incorporated in how I think about each project that I face.

Q: Do you have any advice for prospective students who are considering HCDE?

A: I think HCDE is a degree that is particularly hard to understand from the outside, especially as a prospective student! If you can take some introductory classes or talk to current students about what HCDE actually is, do it! Although I really enjoyed the program, I honestly really didn't know what I was getting myself into when I started. I think having a strong understanding of what HCDE is, what UX is, and what UI is will help future students make sure HCDE is the path that best suits them.