Making connections and honing expertise
September 12, 2024
For Narmeen Durrani, Brandeis Online has been a place for both building relationships and sharpening skills in her new field.
When Narmeen Durrani decided she wanted to pursue a master’s degree in User Experience Design, Brandeis University was at the top of her list.
Narmeen was already familiar with Brandeis, having previously considered attending there for her bachelor’s degree. Although she decided to study closer to home for undergrad — earning a bachelor’s in psychology from the University at Buffalo — Brandeis was always in the back of her mind.
After working for a few years as a quality assurance analyst, Narmeen decided to transition into the field of user experience design. She had always had an interest in technology — having participated in the Association of Computing Machinery and Hacking clubs in undergrad — and her background in psychology gave her a unique understanding of the human mind.
“The idea of crafting an experience that leaves a lasting impression on someone is incredibly fulfilling,” Narmeen explained. “I love the thought that a well-designed product might become a part of someone’s life in a way they remember forever, and I want to have a hand in making that happen.”
Narmeen began her career change by taking classes on Coursera, eventually earning the Google UX Design Certificate. She also gained hands-on experience as a UX designer at a startup, where she focused on website redesigns and usability testing. However, despite this “solid foundation,” Narmeen soon decided that she “wanted to become an expert in the field.” To achieve this level of expertise, she turned to Brandeis Online.
“As soon as I considered getting my master's, Brandeis was my first choice,” Narmeen told GPS. “The curriculum was a perfect fit for my interests, offering foundational courses, user research and a dedicated accessibility course, which I am passionate about.”
Now that she has started her studies with Brandeis Online, Narmeen has found even more reasons to appreciate the program. According to Narmeen, one of Brandeis Online’s biggest strengths is “the small class sizes, which make it easy to connect with professors and classmates on a more personal level.” She has also enjoyed weekly group meetings for class projects, which she says have “enhance[d] collaboration and provide[d] practical learning experiences.”
Small class sizes aren’t the only way Narmeen is making connections during her time with Brandeis Online. She has also begun participating in the Brandeis Online mentorship program, which pairs students with alumni in their field of interest.
“Although it’s early days, I’m excited about the guidance and insight I’m receiving,” Narmeen told GPS. “The mentorship is already encouraging me to look at my work from new perspectives.”
Narmeen’s mentor has also been a source of support during her job search, “helping [her] navigate the evolving landscape of UX design” as she seeks out a new role in product design. Aside from providing insight directly from the field, Narmeen’s mentor has assisted in preparation for interviews, ensuring that she “effectively communicate[s] [her] skills and experiences.”
Given her positive experience, Narmeen highly recommends that Brandeis Online students participate in the mentorship program. “Mentors are there to support you and genuinely want to see you succeed, so take full advantage of their guidance and insights,” she told GPS.
Although Narmeen has enjoyed the “convenience” of online learning so far, she emphasizes to prospective students that time management is essential. “While online courses offer flexibility, it's important to stay organized and disciplined,” Narmeen told GPS. “You'll often find assignments due on Saturdays, so if you have weekend plans, it's wise to plan ahead to meet deadlines without stress.
Going forward, Narmeen is excited about the possibility of “using [her] UX design expertise to create user-friendly and inclusive experiences” at a company that “values collaboration and innovation.” Her passion for accessibility has only grown during her time at Brandeis Online, and she hopes to channel this passion by working to “make digital products accessible to all users.”
“UX design is not just about creating visually appealing designs,” Narmeen explained. “It's about empathizing with your users and truly understanding their needs, challenges and behaviors.”
With new connections and additional skills from Brandeis Online, Narmeen is well on her way to making a more equitable digital world.
To learn more about the User-Centered Design program at Brandeis Online, please visit the program website.