My Journey, Values, and Interests
My name is Sweta Shankar (The first name is pronounced as Shway-thah). I currently live in Austin, TX where I am working as a UX Researcher at Apple.
Keep scrolling down to learn more about me.
LIVING MY DREAM AT THE FUSION OF ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY
My Cross-Continental Journey to UX
From a very young age, I harbored a fervent passion for exploring diverse career paths, from dance and theatre to architecture and the arts. However, throughout high school, I consistently excelled in computer science, paving the way for my decision to pursue a degree in Computer Science and Engineering during my undergraduate studies at SVCE, India. While this provided me with a robust technical foundation, my intrigue shifted towards the human dimension of technology. It was during my role as a content strategist at an arts institution that I discovered my true passion for UX when I recognized the power of user understanding in shaping meaningful experiences.
For me, UX represents the perfect intersection of art and technology, seamlessly blending my early passions with my technical acumen. Fueled by this newfound enthusiasm, I embarked on a transformative journey across countries and continents, leaving my homeland in India to pursue a Master's program in User Experience at The University of Texas at Austin. This decision reflects my commitment to immerse myself in the captivating realm of UX and gain the best knowledge and practical experience in my pursuit of excellence in the field.
Today, as a UXer, I stand at the nexus of creativity and technology, embracing the harmonious blend that fulfills my lifelong quest for the perfect fusion of art and innovation.
Here's a picture of me (the bottom one) taken in 2021 on my first day at UT, brimming with hopes and dreams. Fast forward to my graduation day in 2023 (on the left), now a proud UXer and, most importantly, an evolved individual.
In a sense, I've manifested my dream job, which aligns with the mantra of my life, "If you love what you do, then you won't be working another day of your life."
My fascination with Sherlock Holmes has kept me intrigued by the idea of solving mysteries, and now I am thrilled at the prospect of solving new problems every day by myself as a researcher. Who wouldn't want to detangle the closed loops, analyze the clues, find the connections and present a solution that makes everybody's life better?
THE ESSENCE
Some personal values
LIFELONG LEARNING
Fueled by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering belief in the boundless nature of learning, I see education extending far beyond the confines of a classroom. Embracing the philosophy that knowledge knows no boundaries, I am dedicated to lifelong learning, cultivating both personal and professional growth. Whether delving into books, articles, or my online networks, I strive to continuously evolve and enrich my understanding from every experience.
MY CREATIVE WORK STYLE
As a firm believer that The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard, my most innovative ideas come to life when I'm immersed in the tactile act of writing and scribbling on whiteboards and paper. Embracing this unique work style quirk, I find joy in meticulously taking notes on every project, maintaining a journal that captures my perspectives and insights on the decisions made, fostering a creative synergy between the tangible and the digital realms.
EMBRACE THE JOURNEY
Embracing my unique journey, I've learned not to compare paths, understanding that every dip in the road is a chance to learn and grow. Believing in oneself, working wholeheartedly, and trusting that, in the end, each dot will connect, has become the essence of my personal and professional philosophy.
OTHER CREATIVE OUTLETS
Beyond my professional endeavors, I have been a passionate Indian classical dancer and theater artist for the past 16 years. These art forms have not only enriched my life but have also been a constant source of inspiration and discipline and have honed my creative skills and instilled in me a profound sense of storytelling and empathy- all of which have transcended into my professional life as well.
