Hey Tiffany, care to share a little bit about yourself?
Hi, I'm Tiffany. I was born and raised in Texas, but I knew that I always wanted to leave and live somewhere else. I never truly felt like myself there. 2 weeks after my college graduation, I moved to California and I've lived in Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. I love trying new restaurants. I created a Google Sheet with all the restaurants I recommend (or don't recommend) based on the cities I've lived in or visited. I'm incredibly proud of this list and share it with all my friends and co-workers.
Can you tell us what you do as a Product Designer at GoodRx for those who are unfamiliar?
I'm a product designer at GoodRx and I specifically work on the HeyDoctor product. HeyDoctor is a telemedicine company that provides quick and easy medical visits via asynchronous messaging. I basically get to talk to and shadow doctors all day to design a tool that allows them to efficiently treat patients with enough confidence and information. It's pretty much a medical school crash course!
How did you decide to pursue your specific career? What pivotal moments pushed you to where you are now?
So, I actually wasn't always a product designer. I have a non-linear career that started off with an accounting degree. I spent the first 4 years of my career in digital marketing working with early-stage startups before switching into product design. For me, I wanted a role where I could really bring value and impact to both the user and the business.
What made you interested in your field?
Growing up with Asian parents, a non-traditional career was never an option for me. As a kid, I spent most of my childhood drawing and taking art classes at the local art museum. Even receiving the art award in elementary school. When I got older, I was pushed into making more logical and sensible career choices like medicine or business leading me to choose a degree in accounting and a career in marketing. After choosing the more "logical" career options for a few years, I transitioned to product design and realized it was the perfect mix between my business background and creative aspirations. I think my business mindset and experience helps A LOT at work.
Any advice on how to stand out and get hired for those starting off?
Find ways to stand out to potential employers. Don't just apply to jobs, it'll be really hard to rely on your portfolio or resume to stand out against dozens of other applicants. I like to email designers/founders of companies I want to work for and get on the phone with them.
3 Character traits that would make someone excel in your field
Hustle, empathy, and curiosity
Most difficult thing about your job?
The importance of having both soft skills and hard skills. As a designer, you work on improving your user research and visual design skills. But in a team with product managers and engineers, you also need to be able to present your research and work properly, collaborate, and be strategic and help make business decisions. It's not all about making it look pretty!
What would you like to say to your younger self?
It's not all about money, it's really not about money at all. It's about working on something that gets you out of bed every morning.
Best advice you've received/heard?
There's always opportunity out there, but you have to go out and find it.
Any last thoughts, advice, or recommendations for someone who wants to be a Product Designer?
Build a network and talk to designers/product managers as much as you can. You can really learn a lot from other experienced professionals faster than you can probably get that type of working experience. Remember to ask good questions!
