My name is Katie Valentine and I’m documenting my experience to change careers at 30…ish from working in ad agencies Client Services to become a UX designer.
My career in CS spans ten years, primarily in digital agencies, across London and New York. It has given me an excellent grounding in the processes of UX, having managed many complex UX projects during that time, and gradually I’ve realised that my real interest lies in that field. I believe in the principle that good, people-centred design can solve problems, help make lives easier and ensure that the point where people and technology meet is a smooth and painless interaction. I want to design impactful human tools that make a difference… and maybe delight a few people along the way too.
My previous experience also means I’m strategic, have a keen business sense and the ability to see the bigger picture. I love working with smart people and I’m used to building up teams around me, leading accounts and empathising with many points of view – whilst remaining focused on the north star. I’m detailed and organized (don’t judge a person by the state of their desk!) and keep team beers on Fridays sacred. All of these things, along with an innate curiosity (why, why, why?) should, I believe, equip me with some of the key fundamentals of a good UX designer.
Tangled up in this story will probably be anecdotes about getting it all done with a demanding but glorious baby girl and a husband who makes me kick-ass dark and stormys when I’m feeling down. Or when I’m feeling happy. We like cocktails.
Find me elsewhere:
@cakeorbed
LinkedIn
What Katie Did Next 