Operations Manager to UX Designer

Cassandra Cardiff

Experience Research Lead, Pomegranate Media

Cassandra Cardiff

What’s your career background?

I studied international development and I did a Master’s in that at Oxford. I knew that I wanted a career where I could help people in some way.

I was working in operations but I realised that it just wasn’t specialised enough for me. I wanted a more challenging career that really required specialist knowledge.

What interested you about UX?

I’ve always been really, really interested in the mundane things that people do; how they interact with the world, how they make sense of things around them, and build relationships.

My partner suggested I pursue UX because it’s so heavily research-based. I looked into it and decided UX was what I wanted to do.

Why did you choose the Professional Diploma in UX?

I did a couple of courses online for free but I found that they weren’t enough. I also spoke to UXers from my extended network. A lot of them told me that you didn’t need a degree but you absolutely need a portfolio. The UX Design Institute gave me the support and portfolio I needed to move into UX, at the best price point.

Did the course help you to get a UX role?

Yeah, absolutely. Having the portfolio to show a body of work was probably the biggest thing.

I’ve done so many things within UX and I’m very familiar with lots of different methodologies now. I was able to start my job already familiar with Figma and Slack which was so helpful.

Would you recommend the course to others? Why?

Do it! It’s definitely worth it. For me, it meant being able to get into a job within months of graduating.

Get certified in UX

Learn more about the Professional Diploma in UX Design.

View course details