In this instalment we meet Dave, Lydia, Jack, Sarrah, Nicolas and Chanelle, who are six months into the ´óÏó´«Ã½ UX Design Trainee Scheme.

Dave King

1. What were you doing before the scheme, and what led you to apply?

I'd spent 4 years as an Industrial Designer working on everything from prams to guitars. I'd also worked on a handful of UX projects in that time which I found to be the most exciting and interesting projects I'd worked on. I decided to take the plunge full time into UX and thought the trainee scheme would be a great opportunity!

2. What kind of projects have you worked on?

I've worked on such a wide range of projects since I've been here, and I'm only 6 months in! I've helped facilitate usability testing with children, built prototypes, been in design sprints, ran workshops, the list goes on…

3. So far, what's been the best thing about being a trainee?

Having the freedom to shape your own journey in UX. If you want to explore an area that interests you, it's really encouraged. It's also been great to find out what I don't enjoy or what I'm not that good at yet.

4. And what's been the most challenging thing?

Switching from physical to Digital product design. I'd already gotten to grips with the design process in my time as an Industrial Designer but working in the digital medium was something I only had a bit of experience with.

5. What would you say to others thinking of applying for the scheme?

If you're thinking of moving into UX from another career or looking for your first job in UX, the scheme is perfect! You get a real chance to shape your own journey in UX here at the ´óÏó´«Ã½, working with super talented people from all kinds of backgrounds. You'll love it!

Lydia Laitung

1. What were you doing before the scheme, and what led you to apply?

After graduating in Design and Engineering I worked as a freelancer on a range of design jobs. For two years, I worked in the museums and galleries sector designing exhibition spaces, learning resources and communication materials.

I developed an interest in UX when I started some work designing user interfaces for a health tech startup. I wanted to learn more about UX and working in a team so the trainee scheme felt like the perfect opportunity.

2. What kind of projects have you worked on?

My first placement was in the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Sounds team just as they was launching their new product. I got involved in research, testing the new app and website with users. I also worked on creating artwork for the user interface, it was really nice to see my work on the app in real life!

Now I'm fully immersed in a project working on the News app.

3. So far, what's been the best thing about being a trainee?

With my background in designing for lots of different mediums and formats, I've found it really satisfying to be able to learn and use different skills as a trainee. It's really valuable to be able to try different things out. Every week, the work has been different but it's never boring. Building prototypes and getting real people on the street to try them out is really exciting, too!

4. And what's been the most challenging thing?

Sometimes, I struggle to speak up in a collaboration setting where the goal is to generate lots of ideas. I've found it's actually as valuable to listen and absorb what others are saying and not worry about being the silent one in the room. But the team have been super encouraging and three sprints down I'm more confident in sharing my ideas.

5. What would you say to others thinking of applying for the scheme?

If you are interested in trying new things and being pushed out of your comfort zone the scheme is a great space to be in. It isn't essential to have a background in UX and other experiences can make for excellent tools in your practice.

Jack Solomon

1. What were you doing before the scheme, and what led you to apply?

I had recently finished studying an MSc in Human-Computer Interaction at UCL and - to be honest - I've always wanted to work for the ´óÏó´«Ã½. I never thought it would happen so early in my career but here I am! I've always seen the ´óÏó´«Ã½ as a leader in accessibility and inclusive design approaches, thanks to all the fantastic designers at the ´óÏó´«Ã½. So I had to apply for the trainee scheme.

2. What kind of projects have you worked on?

In my first three months at the ´óÏó´«Ã½, I worked on a mobile app called 'Own It'. 'Own It' is a wellbeing app for children which aims to educate children about online safety. It's a relatable and familiar space for children to own their feelings and to rethink how they behave and talk to others online. A senior designer, Al, who was once a trainee himself, presented the app in front of Prince William and Kate Middleton. I think that's pretty awesome!

3. So far, what's been the best thing about being a trainee?

It'll have to be the people and the sense of community UX&D has here in Salford. It's great to be around like-minded people with a range backgrounds and experiences. And how crazy is it to tell friends and family that you've worked on ´óÏó´«Ã½ iPlayer and things seen by millions of people?

4. And what's been the most challenging thing?

Getting my head around how big the ´óÏó´«Ã½ is. From understanding team structures, environments, cultures, buildings, meeting rooms locations and office climates, it can become overwhelming. There's so much going on. And it's something everyone has to get used to when they join the Beeb.

5. What would you say to others thinking of applying for the scheme?

Don't try to be the perfect designer you think the ´óÏó´«Ã½ wants to see, just be yourself and the rest will follow. Make sure your portfolio is top-notch, and show mistakes as well as your achievements. Your design process should be well structured and should tell a story. Iteration is the cycle of life!

Sarrah Mohammed

1. What were you doing before the scheme, and what led you to apply?

I was a studying Interaction Design at Northumbria University. It was the ´óÏó´«Ã½ that made want to apply for the scheme in the first place. I was still at school at that time and I was having a bit of a career change from sciences to design. I was lucky enough to shadow a user experience designer here for a week, who introduced me to the field and taught me the basics.

2. What kind of projects have you worked on?

During my first placement with iPlayer, I was in the Identity team. I learned about the importance of improving imagery on products. I was introduced to a framework created called 'the matrix', and got to test it in front of users at audience fix day, which was really great to see.

My second placement was working with ´óÏó´«Ã½+ on their native mobile app. I improved my knowledge of app design looking closely at user journeys for vertical video.

3. So far, what's been the best thing about being a trainee?

Every placement has been different so far; it's exciting working on such a variety of products. Being a trainee also allows you to have that time to grow as a designer. I am still understanding what my strengths are, and how to improve on my weaknesses.

4. And what's been the most challenging thing?

It's challenging to get the balance of the workload. Some days you can be extremely busy and others less so. I'm always wary of my time-management, but everyone has told me that naturally improves with experience.

5. What would you say to others thinking of applying for the scheme?

Do it! The scheme is a fantastic opportunity to experience four products or systems within the year. That opportunity is not available anywhere else. My one piece of advice for those applying is to show your design process and methodology in your portfolio. The design journey is equally as important as the end result.

Nicolas Jones

1. What were you doing before the scheme, and what led you to apply?

I studied Financial Economics at university, and became a Project manager at a bank. It was great, and I learned a lot. But the role wasn't creative enough. I had always enjoyed the design of technology and new features, so I looked for a way to apply it in a career - which led me to UX!

2. What kind of projects have you worked on?

Within the trainee scheme it has been really varied, the projects have ranged from Service Design, UI Design, Visual Design, Responsive Web and Native Apps; all within just 6 months.

3. So far, what's been the best thing about being a trainee?

The best thing about being a trainee is the rotation into different teams. You deal with so many different problems, platforms and technology within a short period of time.

And the people! Everyone is helpful and friendly - whatever the problem, the team are always on deck to provide support.

4. And what's been the most challenging thing?

The rotations… okay, hear me out! When you've been so focussed on one product, working with a tight-knit team, it's hard moving onto something new after only a few months. But we still see each other around, it's a surprisingly small world!

5. What would you say to others thinking of applying for the scheme?

Honestly, just go for it. There is nothing to lose and you will have the opportunity to work at one of the most creative places, with some of the best and brightest designers.

If you're coming from a different career, highlight your other skills and experiences - design related or not. You'll stand out and provide a unique perspective - which sometimes brings some of the best solutions.

Chanelle Pal

1. What were you doing before the scheme, and what led you to apply?

I had just graduated with a Masters in Digital Design and worked for a few months as a Graphic Designer in a startup. Before that, I actually did a degree in International Fashion Promotion! In graphic design, I made things look 'pretty' without adding real value to the user. Having seen the term 'UX' float around for the past few years, I dug deeper and found this scheme!

2. What kind of projects have you worked on?

My first placement was in ´óÏó´«Ã½ Bitesize. One of my favourite briefs was an eight hour sprint looking into ways of visualising a salary to a seven year old - interesting! Now, working in the Voice team, there's no visual element and all about the smart speakers. It's been challenging coming from a visual background, but I've gained a lot of skills in user flows, service design blueprints and prototyping!

3. So far, what's been the best thing about being a trainee?

The number of opportunities for personal development. If there is a skill you want to develop (UX related or not), there will be someone in your team who knows someone that can help. I always wanted to get better at public speaking. My line manager lent me a fantastic book, I attended a presentation course, then got myself a slot in the UX Crunch talk, where I presented a piece of work to nearly 100 people! The teams really push you to achieve whatever goal you have.

4. And what's been the most challenging thing?

There's lots for me to learn this early in my career, so I find myself saying 'yes' to every opportunity that comes up. And all of a sudden, I have 101 things to do - it can get overwhelming. But the teams are very adaptive and having a mentor and line manager really help! I think I'm more creative when I'm out of my comfort zone!

5. What would you say to others thinking of applying for the scheme?

Absolutely do it! It is a great year to learn, make mistakes and work with world class people! Moving teams feels like your starting a new job so if you like changing it up, this is the place for you. Top tip: show your design process in the interview! Always talk about what went wrong. It's as important as what went well!

Check out this short film about our UX Design Trainee Scheme.