Sofia took part in a Sutton Trust Summer School at the University of Warwick in 2019. She’s now studying for a degree in User Experience in London. Read on to find out more about Sofia’s journey and her advice for anyone interested in a creative career!

What do you remember about your time on the Summer School?

“I was based in Leeds at the time and I heard about the programme on YouTube. Most students at my college were doing BTECs whereas I was doing A-levels, so the majority didn’t know about these kinds of programmes – I was the only person in my college who went to a Summer School.

Before the Summer School, I didn’t really know if I wanted to go to university. I spent a week studying international relations and politics and found it interesting. I learnt so much and I made lots of friends on the programme. It was one of the best experiences of my life – I’d recommend it.

I come from a low-income background and I needed to work, so I took a gap year. After that, I went to university, studying the same subject I did my Summer School in. I was interested in becoming a diplomat, however, I found the course wasn’t really for me, and I didn’t get the support I needed, so I decided to drop out.”

What are you studying now?

“I’ve always had two clear interests, so when things didn’t work out with my international relations degree, I applied to a new course – I’m now studying User Experience at University of the Arts London.

User Experience (or UX for short) is about how things like apps and websites are designed to be accessible to users. UX designers create how the app will look and make sure it’s accessible to the specific audience. This then goes to the developers to develop the app itself. There’s a lot that goes into it – we do a lot of research, such as data analysis, user interviews, looking at samples of different colours, fonts, etc.

I’d spent my gap year learning how to use apps like Canva and Illustrator, so I had my own personal portfolio and some experience with branding design. This really helped when it came to applying for the course. You need to have a wide range of skills – you need to be well-rounded, good at aesthetics, and good at branding. There’s a lot of data involved, too, so it’s a course that appeals to those interested in both design and research.”

What does a typical day look like for you on your course?

“There’s no typical day as it varies quite a lot! Mondays and Tuesdays, for example, are focused on developing our technical skills. This involves lectures, class discussions, and group work. After 2 pm, we have free time or studio time – we can use that to work on our projects, get help with our technical skills, or catch up on work in the library. On Thursdays, we have a course on research methods, which is purely about data and research. On Fridays, I don’t have any lectures, so this is when I work.

Even though I go to an arts university, it’s not your typical arts course – there’s a lot of data and user research involved, so it brings in elements of tech and science.”

What do you enjoy about your course? Are there any challenges?

“I really enjoy the studio time – this is the free time we get to work on our technical skills. It’s independent work with a teacher there to help. My university also offers a lot of masterclasses in things like Photoshop, Illustrator, and coding, so it covers everything you’ll need to know.

The course can be quite technical, so that can be a challenge, but the teachers are very supportive. I work alongside uni and they don’t punish me for that, they understand and they really help me.”

What would you like to do in the future?

“I want to be my own boss, maybe have my own design studio and do mock-up designs for companies – something I already have an Instagram account for. I’d also maybe like to work for Google. I recently attended an event at the Google office, where I had the opportunity to network with many professionals and get on the list for a UX internship.

Additionally, I connected with a Senior Product Designer on Twitter and later had a Zoom call with her. She shared so much valuable advice and mentorship that I’ll always carry with me. Experiences like that keep me going and remind me how far I’ve come.

I also did a six-month mentoring programme with Chanel. My interests are quite varied – tech, luxury products, beauty. I know that I want to work in UX design somewhere within these interests.

Above all, I just want to be successful and proud of myself. Especially coming from where I come from, I want to be an inspiration to many people from all walks of life.”

Do you have any advice for others who may be thinking of pursuing a creative career?

“My journey has been very up and down. Now it makes sense, but it took me a long time to know what I wanted to do. I needed to try different things and find my passion; I didn’t rush. It’s never too late to try again.

I’d say make sure you research your options carefully and have an open mind. If you like multiple things, explore all your passions and see what works; then if it doesn’t work out, move on to the next. Have a plan A, a plan B, and a plan C.

Finally, I’d say create your own opportunities – don’t just wait for them to fall in your lap. Use LinkedIn to get ideas from other people’s career journeys and network whenever you can. Always ask around for opportunities and advice.”

Want to inspire others with your story? Get in touch with us at [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

Browse our library of alumni stories and continue to be inspired!