Job Title: Design Researcher III
Employer: Walmart

My experience started in 2022, when I was originally self-teaching myself the necessary skills to get into front-end web development. At that time, I was working as an Inventory Controller in a freezer factory. Amidst my job search, I came across an opportunity for a UX Design Apprenticeship through ACDS/Apprenticely and thought it would be an incredible opportunity to get my foot in the door for tech. My knowledge and understanding of UX, at the time, was minimal, but I was confident in my ability to learn new tools and skills to help me succeed. Nichole Parsons was the person who helped me practice my interview skills and helped set the expectations of what this position would entail. Throughout my apprenticeship, I had the ability to immerse myself in so many educational sources, paired with my mentor, Dr. Joel Schooler, who helped awaken a newfound interest/passion in quantitative research. This apprenticeship set the stage for where I am now in my career, working towards acquiring skills and transitioning into a Data Analyst role. This career with Walmart has allowed me to explore my interests and find what I love and work on a way to do those things as my full-time job. I’ve been exposed to a myriad of incredibly supportive people who have encouraged, supported, and advocated for my own personal and professional development. This apprenticeship was lifechanging and set me on the right path to being able to take care of my own personal and financial goals. I can’t thank them enough for this opportunity.