S2 Ep 1. From Big Tech to Startup with Sr. UX Researcher Hilda Nalwanga

Unlock the secrets to a successful career transition with Hilda Naluanga, a senior UX researcher at Xsolla, in our latest episode. Discover how Hilda navigated the fascinating shift from a career development coach in South Africa to becoming a key player in the video game industry. You’ll learn how her passion for design thinking and human-centered approaches led her to pursue an innovative path in UX research, and gain valuable advice for educators eager to break into the tech world.Explore with us the art of relationship building and effective communication within the realm of UX research. Hilda shares eye-opening insights from her tenure at Meta, including the unexpected need to advocate for UX research, even in large organizations. We'll also touch on the challenges and strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance while working remotely with a global team, and the distinct dynamics of large companies compared to startups.Understand the strategic shift from junior to senior UX researcher as Hilda reflects on her career growth. The conversation highlights the importance of marketing one's skills, proactively seeking opportunities, and translating experiences from other fields into the tech industry's language. Whether you're looking to advance in your current role or pivot to a new field, Hilda's journey offers invaluable lessons on navigating career transitions, understanding business goals, and adapting to various work environments.The following acronyms were used in this interview:MAANG: an acronym for the five most prominent tech companies; Meta, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google.NGO: Non-governmental organizationConnect with Hilda on LinkedinEmail Hilda: [email protected] Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.Support the show*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only!  Thanks for the love!Resources:Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips. Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here. Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at [email protected]’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!