Claude’s Transformative Journey from Design to Tech: Where Are They Now
Settle into a chat with Claude and you quickly realise that he’s more than just your average tech enthusiast. His vibrantly self-penned LinkedIn bio, talking about his “enthusiastic desire to explore the world with an obsession with sweets, old-school hip-hop music and mocha coffee” is a perfect representation of him. With such a joyful blend of passions, it’s hard to imagine him not bringing a positive spin to life’s adventures.
Claude’s journey through the tech and design sector is, like many others’ career journeys, woven with passion and unexpected detours. But unlike some, supported by a deep sense of community, namely through YSYS.
It all started at the age of 11 when a family trip to Uganda kindled his love for design and architecture. This first hand exposure to the distinctive artistry inspired him to teach himself to replicate the beautiful Ugandan buildings using design software.
As he got older, despite the pressure of traditional professions, he chose to pursue his passions at the time, studying architecture in Leicester and immersing himself in graphic design and the DJ scene.
Post-graduation, Claude found himself torn between a love of graphic design and the personal connections offered by architecture. Juggling these interests, he dipped into the tech industry while holding down a retail job, and eventually stepped into the realm of design as an intern at an architecture design studio.
Enter: YSYS
It was during this time that Claude joined YSYS on our Tech Career Scholarship for Young Black Men 2020. Recommended by a friend, the programme introduced him to the invaluable learning opportunities and technical skills needed to go far in the area.
YSYS played an undeniably critical role in Claude’s journey, serving as both a launchpad and a nurturing environment that allowed him to flourish in the tech and design industry. The programme provided a unique blend of learning opportunities that propelled his tech abilities, developed his interpersonal skills and provided personal coaching.
The UX/UI course at YSYS was instrumental in shaping his understanding of the tech industry. Yet, YSYS’s offerings extended beyond just technical skills. It placed a strong emphasis on the ‘soft skills’ often underrated in the tech sphere, like communication, project management, and networking. This comprehensive skillset made him one to watch in the cohort.
“I met so many other black people people at YSYS, doing the same thing, on the same mission. It was really, really amazing”
But the YSYS experience was not just about personal growth. Claude found a community at YSYS, a hub of like-minded individuals on similar journeys. The shared experiences and ambitions created an environment of mutual support and camaraderie that was just the motivation he needed.
The mentorship at YSYS was another significant element of his journey. Claude’s mentor not only provided guidance on technical aspects but also shared wisdom on navigating the professional world. This personalised guidance played a crucial role in helping him apply his skills in real-world scenarios and build his personal brand, , sharing his UX and UI projects online and gaining traction in the field.
Claude’s First Tech Job
A recommendation from YSYS’s founder, Deborah, led to him landing his first tech job as a UX intern at Survey54, a market research company for Africa, based in the UK. A testament to the YSYS’s dedication to providing practical opportunities for its students, aiding their transition from learning to employment.
Survey54 presented Claude with a unique opportunity. He found himself as a ‘one man team’, responsible for UX Design at the company. That setting had its own set of perks and challenges. On the one hand, it meant navigating new challenges, learning on the job, and directly networking with the CEO and external stakeholders. On the other hand, the absence of a larger team meant less opportunities for mentorship, structured learning, and peer collaboration.
Despite these challenges, Claude took this as a chance to take the reins, hone his skills, and deepen his understanding of UX Design with a ground-up attitude. He also relished the chance to build his relationship with the CEO, and left the company with a raving onward reference.
Up next was Soho House, an experience he describes as unforgettable. His role at Soho House opened a new world of collaboration and learning. Unlike his solo expedition at Survey54, he was now part of a much larger ecosystem filled with diverse departments like product design, interior design, architecture, editorial, and motion. Each of these departments offered a treasure chest of knowledge, feedback, and networking opportunities.
“They had the whole Shebang. Maybe a startup wasn’t the best place that I could have been at that time”
His experience at Soho House demonstrates some of the benefits of working in a larger company, an environment where he could learn from a wide range of experienced professionals, cross-pollinate ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of the design process from various perspectives.
The difference in these experiences — a one-man team at a startup and being part of a multi-departmental organisation — offered Claude a wealth of insights. The hustle and hands-on approach at Survey54 built his resilience and adaptability, while Soho House demonstrated the power of collaboration and the rich learning environment that a larger company can offer. Through it all, he discovered the importance of versatility in the tech world, adapting his approach depending on the dynamics of the company he was part of. It’s a valuable lesson for any tech enthusiast — knowing when to wear multiple hats and when to lean on the expertise of a larger team.
Since Soho House, Claude has continued his career in other startups and well established companies. He aspires to blend his love for tech and design by learning coding, and dreams of launching a startup focused on travel and experiences.
Claude’s journey, though unique, is filled with lessons for anyone starting on a similar path. He credits YSYS for his career success, affirming the value of the foundational skills and connections he made during the program.
Claude’s advice for anyone considering getting into tech?
Be Proactive: In the world of tech, things move fast, and innovation is constantly happening. Being proactive means taking the initiative to learn new skills, keep up with industry trends, and actively seeking out opportunities to grow and improve. It’s about not waiting for opportunities to fall into your lap, but going out and creating them for yourself. For Claude, this meant diving into different areas of tech and design, putting in the extra hours to learn new software, and making a conscious effort to connect with professionals in the industry.
Seize Learning Opportunities: Embrace every chance to learn something new. This could be formal education like the UX/UI course he took at YSYS, or it could be more informal experiences like networking events, online tutorials, and even learning from mistakes. This also means being open to learning from everyone around you, whether they’re a CEO or an intern. Every job, every project, and every person you interact with can be a learning opportunity.
Appreciate the Value of Foundational Skills and Connections: It’s easy to get caught up in the specifics of tech skills, but Claude highlights the value of foundational skills and connections. This means appreciating the skills that underpin all good work in tech — problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication. In terms of connections, it’s about building and nurturing a strong network of individuals who can offer advice, provide opportunities, and offer support throughout your career. Claude’s experiences with YSYS greatly reinforced the importance of these factors. His relationships, established during his time there, led to recommendations, job opportunities, and a sense of community that carried him through his career.
His story serves as a powerful reminder that passion and perseverance, coupled with the right support, can help forge the career path you want. As our chat comes to a close, it’s clear that Claude’s infectious enthusiasm and dedication continue to inspire those around him. He’s proof that with the right platform like YSYS, anyone can follow their passion and write their own tech success story.
Follow Claude’s ongoing journey on Instagram, @claudelukkz or on LinkedIn.
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