Breaking Into Startups: Episode 10 - Melanie Araujo; From working retail to visual and interaction designer - Proof that you can break into tech from any background

As we were scrolling through the "New Year, New Me" memes on Instagram this morning, we thought it would be appropriate to share Melanie Araujo's episode where she talks about how she went from working at KARMALOOP.com to buying a one-way ticket to San Francisco to become a Designer. http://bit.ly/BreakingIntoStartu... The Tech industry has an obsession with Founders and Engineers, for good reason, but if people don't know how to interact with the products you build or if your design isn't intuitive, then you might lose people that need the solution you're creating. As you some of you make your 2017 plans to switch careers you may be interested in becoming a Designer, and Melanie starts breaking down her tactical advice around 40:00. She also explains how growing up in a multiracial community of working class immigrants with her parents urged her to pursue “safe and stable” careers (ex. medical, bank-related, law) to be able to pay the bills and put food on the table. Neuroscience wasn't her true calling so she followed her heart and started Front & Center, a company that helps underprivileged people break into tech through design. You may have heard about her through Helena Price's Techies project and we are blessed to have her share her insights with us. As you know, we are all excited to help anyone in this community that wants to break in and as always, we love your feedback so please leave your thoughts in the reviews on iTunes. If you like this episode, subscribe and tell your friends. http://bit.ly/BreakingIntoStartu... Happy New Year!!