Alumni Stories - Paurush Rathi
"NCAD is one of the best design schools in Europe. In 2019, a relatively new NCAD Interaction Design program seemed like a perfect fit. The most attractive part of the course were the sequential real world learning modules, or client projects, we got to work on. Throughout NCAD, students get opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders on research projects which was a tremendous experience."
Name: Paurush Rathi
Current Career: UX Designer
Graduation Year: 2020
Discipline: Interaction Design, Service Design
Location: Dublin
What career path did you want to follow as a child?
I always had a flair for art but as a child I wanted to be a cricketer. I dreamed to represent my country at the world cup! I did manage to play at a semi-pro level. It was only at my undergrad in engineering that I realised I wanted to develop my passion for design into a profession.
Why did you decide to study at National College of Art & Design?
During my engineering undergraduate degree, I took a couple of design courses that got me interested in user experience design (UX) but, I wanted to explore human-centred design and broaden my horizons.
NCAD is one of the best design schools in Europe. In 2019, a relatively new NCAD Interaction Design program seemed like a perfect fit. The most attractive part of the course were the sequential real world learning modules, or client projects, we got to work on. Throughout NCAD, students get opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders on research projects which was a tremendous experience.
How did you develop your career towards your current job or practice?
During my undergrad I worked on a couple of freelance design projects that helped me build a portfolio to get admitted to NCAD. During the Interaction Design Masters at NCAD, I worked on several amazing projects that helped me land a temporary freelance job. Ultimately, this led to being offered a permanent “UX designer 2” role at Microsoft in Dublin.
What is the one experience during your time at NCAD that has informed you most in your career and work to date?
Presentations! I had stage fright before coming to National College of Art & Design but, I was given so many opportunities to present my work I soon overcame my anxiety. I learnt a lot by observing my peers. Today, presentation skill is one of my biggest strengths, thanks to the incredible exposure I got through many NCAD client presentations.
If you were chatting with current NCAD students today what is the one piece of advice you would offer?
Make use of the people at NCAD. They are incredible! Both the Interaction Design and Service Design programs attract a diverse range of multidisciplinary students. You will learn so much from your peers. Appreciate their strengths and ask for their feedback as much as possible. Remember it’s a two-way street. You get what you give. Don’t be afraid to take the first step.
What new opportunities have developed for you as a result of changes in work practice during the Covid pandemic?
I feel as creatives we are lucky. The demand for creatives and creative thinkers is increasing, and it will continue to grow. With technology companies continuing to expand and new start-ups emerging every day, the future looks brighter than ever for designers.
