Aashika Parekh
UX Design
Product Designer at American Express
Describe your potential job duties
As a Product Designer at American Express, I will work on end-to-end UX and UI design, creating wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs while ensuring alignment with Amex’s design system. My role will involve user research, data-driven decision-making, and usability testing to refine experiences. I'll collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders to align design solutions with business objectives. Additionally, I will contribute to product strategy, identifying opportunities for new features and ensuring accessibility. My previous work in the company, particularly in gamification and financial education for small business owners, focused on enhancing engagement and simplifying complex financial concepts.
In what ways did the Polytechnic and/or Purdue help make you uniquely qualified for your new job?
INDUSTRY READY, DAY ONE. It's as simple as that.
How has the college or someone in the college helped you achieve your goals?
Stacey Connaughton, Director of the Purdue Policy Research Institute at Purdue University, played a crucial role in helping me develop strong collaboration and communication skills within organizations and among colleagues. Her guidance allowed me to navigate complex group dynamics, articulate ideas effectively, and work seamlessly across teams, skills that have been invaluable in my career as a product designer.
What specific classes (titles are more helpful than course numbers) helped prepare you for your new job?
Every class in our plan of study has played a crucial role in preparing me for my career. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, ensuring that each course builds valuable skills relevant to the industry. From user research to interaction design, every class has contributed to my growth, making this major an excellent foundation for securing competitive roles in the field.
If you had a favorite class, project, experience, or professor, what/who was it, and why?
My favorite experience was my senior capstone, where I designed a Spotify feature that simplifies DJing with minimal, portable equipment, unlimited song access, and intuitive controls. A live DJ music-mixing app that fits in your pocket. I loved this project because it allowed me to merge my passion for music and product design into a polished, functional outcome, showcasing the power of user-centered innovation.
Purdue Polytechnic made me industry-ready from day one. From user research to UI design, every course gave me practical skills that translated directly to real-world product development—especially on projects like my senior Capstone, where I designed a portable DJing feature for Spotify."