UX pathways at MEGA

MEGA has partnered with Mission Ready to foster career pathways for emerging UX design talent. In this special interview series, we introduce you to Gee Maree , who transitioned from intern to full-time UX designer at MEGA. Join us as we delve into her journey, uncover her experiences, and gain insights into her seamless integration into our dynamic team.

• Can you describe the company culture at MEGA and within the UX team?
• No matter where you're from, you're part of the family at MEGA. It's a place where everyone's voice is heard and valued. It's been fun learning from experts with various backgrounds. Everyone brings unique perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking - it makes our work calls way more fun. I also now have a growing list of places and people to visit when I'm on holiday next! The UX team has been supportive, and I've already learned so much from them. Even though I work remotely, we're constantly messaging and keeping in touch with video calls and sharing design tips, feedback, and song suggestions. Thankfully, my teammates have great taste in music!
• What was your journey from Mission Ready intern to full-time UX designer at MEGA like?

The internship has been a game changer. I could finally put everything I had learned previously at Mission Ready into practice in a real, dynamic work environment.

I've always been treated like a full-time staff member at MEGA. I've been involved in real projects since day one of my internship. It's helped to have a supportive team who have pushed me outside my comfort zone.

Today, I'm officially part of the MEGA whānau. Being a full-time UX designer here feels like a dream come true. I've also developed an interest in research and product management. I would have probably never discovered this if it wasn't for MEGA.

• How did your internship influence your understanding of UX challenges and opportunities at MEGA?

As an intern, I've had many opportunities to work on real projects, contributing to the design of MEGA's products and digital platforms. There's nothing like working on a release and seeing it go live.

Like many tech companies, MEGA promotes a collaborative work environment. I got the chance to collaborate with experienced UX designers, researchers, engineers, and product managers. This exposure helped me understand how different teams work together to create products.

• How did Mission Ready empower you to seek industry experience?

The practical projects and interactive class exercises involved plenty of hands-on learning. We got to work on exciting case studies that involved collaborating with UX class peers and developers to simulate team environments.

The 10-week internship program was also a big advantage and one of the main reasons I chose to study with Mission Ready. The real industry experience I received at MEGA was so valuable to my education.

• How does UX design balance data security challenges with user experience?

Balancing data security challenges with user experience is critical in UX design, especially when user data privacy is a top concern. We take security and privacy pretty seriously at MEGA. It's been interesting to grow my knowledge in this area.

Transparency and consent are essential. We help users by ensuring they are well-informed about how their data will be used. Also, integrating security measures like 2FA (two-factor authentication) seamlessly into the user experience.

• What insights and advice can you share with aspiring UX designers looking to enter tech-focused industries, based on your own experiences?

Master the fundamentals, build a portfolio, and be prepared to work hard! Networking is an excellent opportunity to meet people I've found helpful - especially as a remote worker. Finding local UX groups on Meet Up and chatting with UX designers in my local area has been great. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

Make sure you're ready when an opportunity comes along, too. Prepare for interviews and put together a strong CV. Reach out to small businesses in your area or to family and friends and offer to assist them with UX work. Add this to your portfolio, and suddenly, you have a portfolio with real case studies and UX work! You're on your way to landing that job. Good luck!

A word from Aakash Dhandapani from Mission Ready

"Maree's journey from intern to full-time UX designer at MEGA is a testament to the power of practical experience. Mission Ready's immersive approach, combined with the 10-week externship program at MEGA, provided her with the hands-on learning and industry exposure needed to seamlessly integrate into her dynamic dream job. It's a shining example of how partnerships like this can foster career pathways for emerging talents aspiring to tap onto the tech industry."

- Aakash Dhandapani, Mission Ready

Mission Ready is designed to foster excellence, and empower the next generation of contenders in the tech industry. Our candidates are exceptional because we recognize the value of practical experience and a comprehensive grasp of actual business contexts for tech professionals.

At MEGA our people are our greatest asset and we treat them like it. MEGA is committed to providing our team members with the room to grow, the tools they need to succeed, and the guidance to get there. We know that to attract and retain world-class talent, you have to offer a world-class workplace, so we made one!

If you want to be a part of our success story, and you have the drive, ability, and attitude that it takes, we want to hear from you.