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Meet Michele Galloway | GetSmarter Notable Achiever
In recognition of students who stand out from the crowd, GetSmarter’s Notable Achievers campaign highlights a top-performing student each week.
Michele was chosen by our Student Success Team because, despite having an unsure start, she persevered. With the help of her Success Manager, she moved to become one of the top achievers on the UCT User Experience Design online short course. On this online UX design course, Michele explored ways in which she could deliver more creative solutions to improve the user experience design her customers were met with.
Here’s what she has to say about her experience:
Why did you decide to take this UX design coure?
After starting my own business 10 months prior to starting the course, I saw the quiet November and December months as the perfect opportunity to upskill and learn new things. Business people spoke about technical terms I didn’t understand, and that just made me want to learn more. I had work experience from working in advertising years ago but needed technical training.
What were your concerns before enrolling on this online ux design course? How were your concerns alleviated and why?
I had never studied online before. I was quite unfamiliar with the process and because of this, I lacked the confidence to engage in conversations on the student forums. Talking to Lisa and the Support Staff, I was guided through the process and quickly felt confident enough to contribute to the online conversation. A Success Manager is certainly a valuable asset to have in the online learning environment.
What aspects are you enjoying about learning online with GetSmarter?
I enjoyed the way the course material was presented. The different mediums and methods they made use of like video, notes and online sourcing, as well as reading current and affiliated sites. The Student Forum, which still remains an activity I’m not too comfortable with.
How do you plan to use the skills you learned on this course in your career?
I have my own advertising agency – EMPIRICAL Design – and as the Creative Director I certainly have a better understanding and a more in-depth knowledge of what UX designers do and how to recruit them. I can also now confidently offer a great new skillset to my clients.
What does it mean to you to earn a UCT certificate?
It certainly adds credibility to my 35 years of experience. I’m offering this to current and new clients as part of the packages I sell. I’ve also added this to my CV.
“The UCT certificate I earned certainly adds credibility to my 35 years of experience”
– Michele Galloway, Past GetSmarter Student
Will you be displaying your certificate?
Certainly, in my offices.
Our Student Success Team identified you as being an outstanding student. Why do you think you are a Notable Achiever and what advice can you give to others looking to do this course?
Time management, diligence and reading the course content numerous times, writing, and reading again to imprint new patterns of thinking.