Becky Zhang

Why did you choose to attend OCAD U?

I came into OCAD U’s portfolio day knowing only that I wanted to do something within the design field. I told the OCAD U representative what my interests were and he introduced me to Industrial Design. He briefly explained what courses were offered which incited my excitement. I immediately hopped right in and I’m very glad that I did!

Please briefly describe your current job/practice.

I am currently a product designer at a tech healthcare start-up called Supports Health. We aim to create an app to support caregivers of those with mental illnesses. It is important for caregivers to take care of themselves before taking care of their loved ones to avoid burnout. I work with my team to interview users, plan out design strategy, ideate, and design user-centered mobile solutions for caregivers.

How did you get started in your career?

Finding a job felt like a full-time job in itself when I first graduated. I spent my mornings applying for jobs and afternoons going to events and coffee chats. I gradually learned that the key to my career stemmed from strategic career planning while also staying realistic and confident in my strengths. I stumbled across Supports Health while browsing tech companies in the healthcare field. I sent them a message about what value I felt I could add to their company, and they reached out!  

What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work?

The more you experience, the more you learn, so get as much experience as you can while you’re young. I worked part-time for most of my university years and it helped me to get out of my comfort zone and learn valuable communication and teamwork skills. I also did two internships so I was able to explore different industries and come to realize what I did and did not like in a potential career.

What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

Like any other new tech start-up, my job is a very fast paced one but that also means every day is exciting. I’m aware of how lucky I am to be taking on great responsibilities and doing the things that I love in an industry that I have a passion for. Every week I remind my team of how grateful I am, to have a team that respects and supports each other.

I am the only designer so I always need to be prepared to explain my rationale for my design processes. I also have to be strategic and flexible with my design process to make sure we are hitting all the business, content and development requirements. I find that being in constant communication with my team is vital for success.

What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? Is there anything you would have done differently?

The students in my program were all very friendly so I felt comfortable asking for help. I am also thankful for my professors, especially my thesis professors who took every student's projects to heart. My profs and my classmates kept me going in the right direction during my panic moments. On top of that, the CEAD (Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers) supported me by helping me to refine my resume, connect me to possible opportunities and get a better scope of the demands in the working field.

What are the key responsibilities you maintain for your practice?

I try to keep a mindset of not being afraid to make mistakes so that I do not get caught up in worrying about my decisions. I keep learning by going to design events, reading books/articles, and always asking questions.

What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years?

Be more comfortable in networking, as well as invest in myself more by trying to find more hobbies to do outside of work!