FSP Academy is launching a brand-new series highlighting the journeys of our academy graduates from their first days with us to growth within and beyond. This week, Alishba, Brand and Comms Apprentice, interviewed User-Centered Design Associate, as she shared why she chose FSP for her graduate role. Curious to know why? Check it out below!

• Alishba – ‘What is your role at FSP and have you been in this role since you started in the FSP Academy?’

Hannah – ‘My name is Hannah Pope, and I am an Associate User-centred Designer at FSP. I have been with FSP for two and a half years, starting as a graduate in what was then known as the UX/UI Design Consultant team.’

• Alishba – ‘What made you choose FSP for your graduate role?’

Hannah – ‘I chose FSP because the skills required for the graduate role aligned closely with my expertise in user experience design, research, and problem-solving. Additionally, the opportunity to work on a variety of professional but creative projects across industries was really appealing, as it meant I could gain exposure to different clients, challenges, and technologies while refining my UX skills in a real-world setting.’ 

• Alishba – ‘Whilst you were in the Academy, what kind of support and guidance did you receive and how did this contribute to where you’re at now in your role?’

Hannah – ‘During my time in the FSP Academy, I received continuous support through structured training sessions, mentorship sessions, and regular check-ins to track my progress.  

The Academy not only provided structured training but also a strong support system. Whenever I faced challenges or sought advice, there was always someone available – whether it was a mentor, a colleague, or another Academy member.  

Having that open and supportive environment made a huge difference, helping me navigate challenges, gain new perspectives, and grow both personally and professionally.’ 

• Alishba – ‘How has the Academy contributed to your overall career growth and success?’

Hannah – ‘The Academy provided a solid foundation for my career by not only developing my technical UX skills but also enhancing my communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving abilities. Through hands-on projects and client engagements, I gained real-world experience that has accelerated my professional growth and prepared me for greater responsibilities within FSP.’ 

• Alishba – ‘Can you tell us about a key highlight from your time at FSP so far?’

Hannah – ‘One of my key highlights was working on Town Plan, where my team and I created a 3D interactive isometric town for a client. This project was an exciting challenge, blending UX design with interactive elements to deliver a highly engaging and user-friendly experience. The success of Town Plan has since led to additional work with other clients, allowing us to expand and refine our approach to interactive design. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how this project has evolved and influenced further opportunities.’ 

• Alishba – ‘What advice would you give to both current and new Academy members for maximising their experience?’

Hannah – ‘Here are my top tips for early careers to maximise their learning experience and growth,

– Be proactive – Take initiative in projects, don’t be afraid ask questions, and seek out learning opportunities.  

– Engage with mentors and colleagues – The best way to grow is by learning from those around you. Shadow colleagues on different projects/ activities and don’t hesitate to ask for feedback and advice. 

– Experiment and iterate (UX specific) – UX is all about testing, learning, and improving. Apply this mindset to your own development. 

– Stay curious – Keep up with industry trends, tools, and best practices to ensure you’re always growing as a professional.’