What made you decide to choose your specific major?
As someone with a multitude of interests spanning art, writing, computer science and marketing, UX design was the perfect intersection between all of these. I love understanding people and helping them, that's essentially what user experience intends to do! It is a study of creating technology to be impactful and functional, and applicable to so many industries. I'm particularly excited to either work at a software-based or financial firm to ease their clients' interactions.
What are a couple of your favorite things about your program of study?
Definitely the hands-on aspect of all my design classes. I love that I get to work on projects real-time, with documentation as proof, and that I am not only collaborating with my peers, but often with companies and other parts of Purdue as well. I get my professional experience from my classes.
What has been one of your favorite class projects?
In my experience studio class, my team and I are working on a sports fantasy app. Not only am I getting to participate in the entire design cycle from research to prototyping to documentation, but I'm also working with something I love as a big soccer and volleyball fan. It truly does show the versatile application of my major.
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
I'm part of several clubs at Purdue! These include Purdue UX Design, Women in Technology and Ethical Hackers. Not to mention my erratic bouts at the co-rec, whether it's playing sports or attempting what I call exercise.
What do you know about your program of study now that you wish someone had told you when you were choosing a major?
The flexibility of it. I've added on both a computer science minor and an Entrepreneurship and Innovation certificate with ease. I love that I'm able to explore my other interests while still keeping my focus on design, and I wish I'd known this before so I wouldn't have stressed so much about boxing myself in when I'm only learning more than I thought I would be.
What would be one piece of advice for prospective students or new Purdue students?
Do your research beforehand. Don't only think about the future of course, but just getting an upper hand in knowing what courses are offered and which you'll have to take will help you to save a lot of time and stress! And definitely also keep yourself a little updated on what events are going on, it'll give you a lot of opportunities both for fun and academically.