From campus to career with Sukhanya Narayanan, UX Associate

Your first job is always special. There are so many firsts there - your mentors, your projects, colleagues turning into long-lasting friendships, taking that after completing a project, and most importantly - getting used to submitting timesheets. Our newest teammate Sukhanaya Narayanan is thriving in her first job at Digital of Things. So we wanted to sit down with her to discuss her transition from classroom theory into practice, the experience of working with us, and her growth mindset. Here’s a snippet from our coffee chat.

Who is Sukhanya?

Meet Sukhanaya - Our UX Researcher & Designer, kickstarting her career with us fresh out of college. She has a Bachelor's in Product Design followed by a Master's in Interaction Design.

What inspired you to pursue a bachelor's degree in Product Design?

Sukhanya has a solid understanding of creating physical products. However, when she considered expanding her skill set, she realised the importance of digital skills in today's world. She loves conducting UX research and generating outcomes that can help businesses. This insight led her to pursue a UX degree, recognising the greater opportunities in this field.

“I have a good understanding of how to make physical products, but when I wanted to expand and think about how I can grow my skill set. I realised especially in today's day and age having digital skills is beneficial. I love how you can conduct UX research & come up with outcomes that can help businesses. So, I decided  that it would be great to pursue a UX degree and go into this field because there are more opportunities.”

What was your favourite part about studying at university?

“I loved prototyping, going into the lab, and creating products. That’s what sparked my creativity.”

What do you love about UX research?

Sukhanya enjoys the phase of research where she gets to speak with users and find their pain points.

“That's something that clicks with me because those are valuable insights that can turn into a solution. Also the love for creating products - keeps me going.”

How did you get a job in DOT?

Sukhanya feels grateful as she got her job right after one week of Graduation. Credit goes to her proactiveness. She started following and messaging UI/UX Design agencies’ founders on LinkedIn. And guess what - Sudipt Shah, CEO of Digital of Things, responded.

“I shared my portfolio with Sudipt, then we had one in-person interview. It was a very open conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to them about my projects. And the next thing I know, I got hired”

What do you love the most about working at DOT?

“It's just been one month, but I feel like I've learned a lot. The learning of the University and the learnings from here working with a dynamic team- gave me real experience. Everyone's always willing to help, and the work culture and environment are amazing. Everyone's super friendly. So this being my first job opportunity is great.”

Sukhanya added

“I love the group activities we do together. Talking, sharing ideas, and ensuring we are doing great work - make a difference. Specifically brainstorming sessions are always fruitful because you get to know a lot of things.”

What are your thoughts on the work culture at Digital of Things?

Sukhanya loves the flexibility we offer at DOT. She loves coming to the office and sits with the team to brainstorm. She finds it efficient to work with the team in the same room.

When we asked Sukhanaya:

“Who is your go-to person for a good laugh?” - Allan, our Operations Manager, was on top of her list 🙂

“Who is your go-to person to learn?” - everyone, though Adam, our Senior Researcher, who makes learning fun, won the title.

What are you up to on weekends?

Current book reading - Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

Current series - Eric, 2024

Sukhanaya mentioned

“During weekends I love to play Padel. I also love to spend time with my friends and family.”

At last, we asked Sukhanaya what was her Genie wish - “To meet Brooke’s wonderful dogs”.

Here is Sukhanaya spending quality time with our lovely Liesel 💛.

Sukhanya and Liesel

See you in the next coffee chat! Till then keep learning, keep growing.

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