Apprentice Product Designer Review

As a UX designer, my day usually begins with a stand-up where the team runs through their goals and blockers for the day/week. I then begin working on either sketches, prototypes, user testing, critiques or collaborative design based on research that has been gathered. Retrospectives occur every so often alongside 1:1's with mentors and managers.

I learned how to use the program Figma, which has helped me begin creating sketches and prototypes. As well as this, I have learned different principles and theories around UX design thanks to an online learning platform called the Interaction Design Foundation which my company pay for. Running workshops and presenting is another skill that has been developed since joining here.

I enjoy the programme as it is very relaxed and flexible in that I can work my life outside of work around the apprenticeship as well as keeping a good balance between university work and work at my company. My university course is delivered in sprints which I prefer. The support you receive as an apprentice is great also.

Within the company at the beginning, there was not too much structure as it was difficult to start working on projects without any prior knowledge of the company or UX design, but after numerous university sprints and months of working a good routine has been made. At times it can feel like you are not making a huge difference, but it is up to you to volunteer and offer yourself to people.

I am given plenty of time to work on university work and I am encouraged to attend events that will boost my skills and development. Everyone on the team is willing to offer support and help whenever I need it. I have been assigned a mentor and a manager who help me greatly as well as the entire team itself.

Since my course is in week long sprints, I very rarely see the tutors in person meaning that the only way to receive help or feedback is through email. This can be a problem as some tutors don't give a full explanation on email or proper help. When in university though, the support is solid.

I can bring back the knowledge I have learned from university and showcase that to the wider team, this helps me feel more involved as well as helping the team. Also my university projects are based on work related projects, so there is a nice overlap there. I have been assigned a skills coach also who ensures I have been keeping on track with where I should be developing.

There are plenty of guilds and teams to join, granted with covid some of these are still picking back up again, but plenty of networking events have been taking place since I have joined. You can also make your own guilds if you would like and it is very easy to do so.

Yes

It is a perfect place to begin your career and very accommodating for people who want a career change or for those who don't have any previous experience working in a professional environment. They hire based on values and personal traits as opposed to experience, which means that many people here are very approachable and friendly making it a great place to work.

Focus on your personality and examples of times you have shown the company values (they will be on the website). As well as this, emphasise your passion and interest for the role you are applying for; imagine you are doing it as a job and not getting paid, would you still do it?