Excelling in UX design and digital product management for Hackathon glory

 

Tejashwini Arun Raikar

Freelance Fashion Designer
HEALTH-I HACKATHON Champion (2023)
Completed SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme in UX Design and Digital Product Management
We are pleased to present one of our notable learners from our SCTP programme, highlighting her remarkable dedication and expertise. This accomplished learner secured victory in the HEALTH-I HACKATHON, jointly organised by SingHealth Polyclinics, GP+, and AstraZeneca, alongside her team members. It's noteworthy that this achievement occurred while actively participating in our SCTP programme. Her journey vividly showcases the boundless potential our programme nurtures, underscoring the profound effect of unwavering commitment and practical expertise.


Please share your experience of participating in the hackathon with us.

This SCTP in UX Design and Digital Product Management encompassed a wide array of topics and concepts within UX Design, which we had the opportunity to put into practice through various in-class activities. The Hackathon served as an exceptional platform to apply the skills acquired during the programme in solving real-world problems. Winning the Hackathon served as a strong validation of the programme's effectiveness. I now possess greater confidence in my skills and am determined to apply them in my forthcoming UX journey.


Please share with us your professional life’s journey and at which point in your career did you aspire to pursue this programme?

I took a career hiatus when my prematurely born child needed my devoted care due to his fragile health. Although I later resumed work as a freelance fashion designer, I unfortunately lost some previous clients during my absence. This situation prompted me to explore alternative career paths, with a strong desire to remain in the creative and design domain. During my exploration, I discovered NTU's SCTP in UX Design and Digital Product Management and made the deliberate choice to enrol in it, viewing it as a means to facilitate a career transition.


What attracted you to your chosen programme at PaCE@NTU?

I had been planning a career transition into UX for a year, investing time in completing several online UX courses. However, I was seeking a meticulously structured programme to elevate my skills to a professional level. During my research for the ideal course, I discovered this SCTP offered by PaCE@NTU. With NTU's reputation as one of Singapore's premier universities, it was a clear and proud choice. I can confidently affirm that enrolling in this programme has been one of my best decisions. I deeply appreciate the course planners and trainers for their dedication in creating an engaging, informative, and industry-relevant programme.


Has this programme benefitted you in your career development?

The programme has benefited me in many ways. It provided me with a platform to learn, experiment, and showcase what I have learned and developed in my personality. Taking this programme has laid a solid roadmap for my UX journey. I'm optimistic that the knowledge acquired during this programme will be relevant and useful in the outside world. With the support of the career coach, I will have the opportunity to put my learned skills to use in front of the industry specialists.


Do you think lifelong learning is important? Please share your thoughts about it.

In a rapidly evolving world, acquiring new knowledge and skills isn't just beneficial; it's essential. Lifelong learning enables personal growth, adaptability, and staying relevant in an ever-changing job market. It nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to solve complex problems. Moreover, it enriches our lives by opening doors to new experiences and opportunities. Embracing lifelong learning isn't merely a choice; it's a necessity for both personal and professional development.