How Identity Has Influenced a Senior Bilingual UX Researcher's Career at Bixal
Nicolas's undergraduate success stemmed from a combination of factors: choosing a "meaningful and motivating" major, actively seeking diverse experiences such as studying abroad and working in Residence Life ("that gave me really great management experience"), and cultivating strong mentor relationships and supportive friendships that aided in navigating career transitions. These combined efforts, along with developing skills in their field of passion, laid a solid foundation for their current role as a Senior Bilingual UX Researcher.
Career Exploration, Networking, Mentorship, Experiential Learning, Leadership Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Nicolas Doyle
Senior Bilingual UX Researcher
Bixal
Bowling Green State University
University of Southern California - Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages | Pennsylvania State University - Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics
Spanish & Other Languages
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Choosing a meaningful major and staying motivated
2. Seeking diverse experiences (studying abroad, volunteering, work)
3. Building a network and finding mentors
Transcript
What did you do in your undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
In many ways, almost everything I did in undergrad contributed to me feeling successful. This included choosing a major that was meaningful and motivating to me.
I was constantly open to new experiences, like studying abroad and volunteering while I was there. I also worked at the Office of Residence Life on the front desk of residence halls for about a year.
I was then promoted to manager of the front desk, which gave me great management experience from my junior to senior year. So, there was work experience, developing skills related to my passions, and taking on new experiences like volunteering.
Finding mentors I connected with and trusted was also really important. They helped me choose graduate degree programs and even steered me away from programs that wouldn't have been a good fit.
Friendships were important too. Some friends navigated similar career transitions and we worked together to figure things out. I had a friend who became a Spanish teacher and then transitioned into a more industry-type role.
Building networks was key. We grew together and helped each other navigate big changes. That's why I feel almost everything I did shaped where I am now.