Student Spotlight: McKenzie Little
August 24, 2022
Meet McKenzie Little '23
California
Design Automation Engineer
MS in User-Centered Design
In her spare time, McKenzie likes to visit with friends, travel, hike, dance, bake, crochet, rock climb, and practice yoga. In her most recent trip, McKenzie spent a month in Washington State with her boyfriend and several friends working remotely and exploring the state on the weekends. Exploring new places is when she is happiest!
Get to know McKenzie!
Why did you choose Brandeis GPS?
I chose Brandeis GPS due to the courses in the User-Centered Design program, as the topics were aligned with my career goals. I felt that I would get a lot of hands-on experience through project work and that I would learn a lot from the mentorship of industry professionals instructing the courses.
What inspired you to choose your field of study?
I chose User-Centered Design because improving people’s lives through design and research aligned with my values. I also enjoy being able to express creativity through sketching and prototyping. Also, doing a part-time work rotation with a User Experience team at my workplace really solidified my desire to pursue this career.
How have you enjoyed your experience at Brandeis thus far?
I have had a fantastic experience so far. I have met many talented students with similar interests and goals in the program. The instructors have been so helpful and inspiring to learn from.
What are your hopes and aspirations for the rest of your time at Brandeis?
I am looking forward to learning as much as possible in the four remaining courses I have left in the program. I hope to continue to strengthen my relationships with the other students in my classes and to learn from them as well.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I am looking forward to applying what I have learned in the program and expanding my knowledge as I grow my skills in the industry.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
I highly recommend participating in the student mentorship program. My advisor reached out to me about this opportunity shortly before my first course in the program, and it was extremely helpful to have a mentor to share questions with as I progressed through the first few courses.
What has been your favorite class to-date?
My favorite class so far has been User Interface Design with Dave Lumerman. This course is an elective, and it truly pushed me on a constructive way to improve my skills and grow. I took it early on in my program and it helped me get more comfortable with design ideation as well as prototyping.
For more information on the User-Centered Design program or any other GPS programs, visit our website.