Social media handle(s): LinkedIn
A few words about me:
Hello! I'm Celeste, a digital product designer and visual creator. I'm also the go-to tech support for my family and a committed Christian.
In my spare time, I indulge in learning about diverse subjects, hiking, and reading.
I'm passionate about coffee and matcha, and I enjoy eating kiwi with its skin on. 🥝 And bad kerning does keep me up at night.
Are there any professional experiences you've had that are quite unexpected compared to what you do nowadays?
I had, and still am, wearing multiple hats! I'm a property agent channel, a personal assistant, a training tattoo artist, and I used to be a barista.
Is your background more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or non-STEM related?
My background is non-STEM related; however, I got the chance to enter into the tech world in my early career, so that I get the chance to explore, which gives me an opportunity to approach the digital product with the Art and Design background.
Where did your professional journey start?
I worked as an art editor in a global media group after finishing the Graphic design study. However, after a year, I realised that digital media is taking over the field of traditional publishing. My technology DNA is thriving, so I joined one of the famous digital design studios in Taiwan to kickstart the journey. Working in an agency is absolutely one of the fastest ways to get into an industry, but on the flip side, a hard pill to swallow.
How did you get into tech and what motivated you?
In the midst of a bustling design studio, I found myself caught up in a maelstrom of creativity and urgency. As a UX product designer with a tight deadline, my path unfolded like a story of perseverance and inventiveness. With each stroke of the stylus, I overcame unexpected design obstacles, turning my canvas into a tapestry of solutions.
Have you experienced any 'career in tech' challenges / stereotypes?
I’m currently working on an AI-powered grief support app, which has been incredibly challenging as we navigate an industry in which we have no prior experience. To overcome this, I actively participate in conferences and technology discussions.
During a visit to Vienna for an event hosted by Female Founders, I learned that in the EU, teams with at least one female founder raised only 16% of funding rounds in 2023 - a 2% decrease from 2022. Even more concerning, all-women founding teams received only 7% of funding rounds (Rising Startups Report - Redefining the Status Quo in European Tech).
These statistics highlight the need for greater visibility and inclusivity for people of all genders and backgrounds within the tech industry, especially for founders.
What you wish you knew before getting started in tech...
The payoff of being adaptive, agile, and flexible is never turning back anxiety impacts from work to life, which can elevate you or drown you.
"It's hard to not get involved now, but it's really crowded. Think about what really makes you happy to balance the portion."
What has been your biggest 'wow!' moment related to working in tech so far?
Whenever I'm doing user research, I love observing how users are using a creative way to achieve their goals or being educated by the users on how the product is used.
What do you like / not like about working in tech?
I can't really enjoy using an app or websites now! It's a love and hate.
I like to explore and admire good designs and new services, this is never going to put me off work.
What's been your favourite / most memorable / funniest 'career in tech' moment so far?
My mom stops explaining to people when they ask what I do for living, while my dad thinks I work in retail (I was working for an E-commerce company).
And to wrap up, is there any advice you'd like to give to others interested in a career in tech?
It's hard to not get involved now, but it's really crowded. Think about what really makes you happy to balance the portion.
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