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UMSI Alumni Snapshot: Jessica Thomas

Jessica Thomas smiling standing on stone wall with turret and flag at its end. Background of rolling tree-covered mountains.

Jessica Thomas
MSI ’23 (Human-Computer Interaction & UX Design and Research) 

Senior UX designer at Logility 

After graduating from UMSI in 2023 with my master's concentrated in human-computer interaction (HCI) and UX design and research, I now work as a senior UX designer at Logility, which is a supply chain software company based in Atlanta.

Alongside a team of designers and programmers, I work on product concept validation like user interviews, creating artifacts, wireframes and prototyping for the product. I constantly work to meet deadlines and conduct usability testing to receive internal feedback. As a designer, my role extends throughout the entirety of the project. At the same time, I work on multiple projects and even get to meet with developers based in Asia, so meetings would start as early as 6:30 a.m. ’til noon on certain days to accommodate differing schedules.

Since UX is relatively new to the company, my role is centered on advocating for UX and integrating it into scrum teams to showcase its value.

UMSI skills in work

Coming into my master's program, I already possessed a background in design but wanted to further my research skills. Developing this strength and interest serves me in my current position, enhancing my ability to effectively create interview protocols, complete usability testing, and conduct surveys.

While completing my degree, I also worked at Home Depot. The combination of balancing my academic priorities and work life enabled me to further develop my time management skills. I’m now capable of managing myself and my priorities to meet everyone's expectations.

Preparation through UMSI 

UMSI greatly helped by providing me with research skills and time management practice. During my program, I also worked in the Design Clinic as a project manager, which enabled me to acquire experience in planning, design thinking and managing deadlines. The consultation projects were beneficial since they provided real-world interactions and empowered me to network with people beyond UMSI.

Most valuable UMSI experience

The Design Clinic was honestly the most valuable UMSI experience that helped me a lot. It was realistic and representative of what working in the real world is like, and I was able to partner with actual designers during the process.

The internship prep course taught by a Career Development Office staff member was also helpful. During my initial internship search, I didn’t realize the importance of networking. Taking the class was impactful in getting me connected with people and career preparation from the school itself.

Service in UMSI Alumni Career Connections mentorship program

I volunteered as a mentor for the Alumni Career Connections program because I greatly value the importance of mentorship and connection. Part of the reason I got into UX was because I had the opportunity to connect with other UX designers to learn more about the field and work. These conversations introduced me to a path I could take, and mentorship became important to me early on in my career.

In return, I came back wanting to contribute the same, especially for junior designers considering the UX industry. It was great getting to talk to UMSI students and offer advice based on my experiences searching for an internship.

I strongly believe that mentorship is important, especially for other WOCs since I could speak from my experiences more directly and advise others on how I was able to navigate academic and professional demands. It’s good to have a community of people and mentors where we can work together to promote solidarity based on shared or relatable experiences.

Advice for students 

Networking can be intimidating, especially with random people, but you just have to prep yourself up and motivate yourself to go into it. You may be nervous, but the other person is probably more than happy to help and converse. By being on both sides, I’ve learned that the framing of networking is based on people wanting to help.

Networking has greatly helped me because I’ve been able to get to where I am today based on my connections. In other words, my positions in UX have been attainable because of my network.

— Nov. 8, 2024