Background and Aspirations:
Hey! My name is Anjani Shingadia but you can call me Anj for short. I am currently a Junior Product Designer at ustwo, working on a design systems project with iShares/Blackrock.
Before I started my career at ustwo, I was a product design graduate (BA) looking to pursue a career in UX/UI design. I had 4 years’ worth of experience in my course working on a variety of design projects involving collaborations, user interaction and prototyping - but no real industry experience.
Journey and Expectations:
Coming from a university background, I found that a degree just wasn't enough to pave my way into the design industry. This is where the Flipside programme came along and became a life-changing experience for me. If you asked me at the start of 2023 how I expected this year to go, it wouldn’t have been this. In the short span of 3 months, I was given the opportunity to re-work my skills with the most incredible design agencies in London, alongside learning with such a talented cohort.
Now you’re probably wondering how I ended up at ustwo? Through all the training, mentorship and guidance, the programme further offered everyone the chance to interview for a placement opportunity with all the participating design agencies. The Flipside programme developed my personal and professional goals which eventually helped me land my initial internship and now permanent role at ustwo.
So if you’re wondering whether to do the programme or not, this is your sign!
I loved every part of the programme and If I had the chance to do it all over again, I definitely would. I particularly enjoyed the onboarding as it set the tone and broke the ice so seamlessly, creating a comfortable environment and space for us as a cohort. This eventually became an important part of being able to work and learn together as a team throughout the programme.
I also thoroughly enjoyed going to different design agencies and developing hard skills like learning Figma, and soft skills like presenting. I can’t put into words how appreciative I am for all the time and effort those involved have put into helping guide me through this journey. From the very beginning, they taught me to be confident in my abilities and encouraged me more than words could describe. I can honestly say, I don’t think I’d be where I am today without this programme being offered to me and I cannot thank everyone enough for all the support they have given me from day one.
It’s funny to think back to the very first week when we were asked to write down 3 goals we wanted to achieve by the end of the 3 months. Mine were to be able to network, to learn the software of Figma, and of course to secure a placement (which is crazy to think I achieved them all!).
If you know me, networking is something that I never really enjoyed. I’d like to describe myself as quite a social and bubbly person but there was something about networking that I always found difficult. It was an environment I would do anything to avoid.
But through the support of everyone at A New Direction, they made it seem so effortless and created a relaxed and friendly space where I no longer had to worry. We were guided on how to make the most out of each opportunity and if there’s one thing I could encourage - it’s to be open and to speak to people! You never know where a 2-minute conversation could take you.
Reflection and Takeaways:
Another thing I learnt this year is: don’t be afraid to take risks. Prior to joining the programme, I had just quit my marketing job. A job I’d landed straight after university which felt extremely risky at the time as I had no backup plan and was unsure what I wanted to do next. However, I knew it was a risk I was willing to take, and it paid off more than I could ever imagine.
I am now in a career where I truly see myself growing and achieving big things, whilst also being genuinely happy. There’s no better feeling than being in a job you truly feel passionate about and if you take away anything from reading this it would be to apply to the Flipside programme. From gaining industry experience to specialising my skills within UI/UX - the Flipside Programme is one I will never forget.