In this edition of Becoming Informed, Amber Munn shares her journey from studying Graphic Design to joining Informed Solutions as a Technical Consultant – later than most, but at exactly the right time for her.
She reflects on how rediscovering her passion for creativity, people, and human-centred design helped her build confidence, develop new skills, and thrive in a supportive environment that champions diverse career paths.
Finding My Direction
When I graduated with a degree in Graphic Design, I felt a little lost. I loved being creative, but I quickly realised that a traditional design career wasn’t the right path for me. Not knowing what I wanted to do next was daunting.
A few years later, a friend introduced me to User Experience (UX) design, a field that brought together everything I cared about: creativity, human psychology, and technology, with the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Discovering UX in Practice
The importance of user-centred design (UCD) became clearer during the COVID-19 lockdown. Overnight, so much of life moved online, yet many digital services weren’t intuitive or designed with users in mind.
At the time, I was working in a supermarket, and I saw first-hand how poorly designed workplace systems created daily frustrations for colleagues. Those experiences deepened my interest in UX and strengthened my motivation to help bridge the gap between the people who design technology and the people who use it.
Returning to Study
To build the skills and confidence I needed, I decided to return to university to complete a Master’s degree in UX Design. Committing to a two-year course meant delaying the start of my career, and it was daunting to think I’d be nearly 28 by the time I finished.
However, the course gave me a solid grounding in user research, design, and technology, and confirmed that this was absolutely the right path for me.
Joining Informed Solutions
After completing my Master’s, I wanted to find a role where I could apply my skills, continue learning, and contribute to meaningful projects. Informed Solutions’ Graduate Associateship stood out right away.
Their focus on ‘tech for good’ resonated with my priorities, and I was drawn to their supportive environment, a place that values diverse perspectives and encourages growth.
Starting as a graduate in my late twenties was nerve-wracking. I worried that I was “too late” or that people would expect me to already know everything. At times, I even felt embarrassed to be beginning my career at an age when many of my peers were already established. But I quickly realised those fears were all in my head. My colleagues welcomed me warmly and recognised that my background in design would bring a fresh perspective to the work we do.
Learning, Growing, and Gaining Confidence
Since joining Informed almost a year ago, I’ve experienced more personal and professional growth than I ever imagined possible. When I first started, my confidence was at an all-time low, but with the support of my colleagues and the opportunities I’ve been given, that has changed dramatically.
Internally, I’ve had weekly one-to-one coaching, being enrolled in the InformedACADEMY, attended and contributed to the Interaction Design Forum and monthly UCD Communities of Practice, which have all allowed me to learn, share ideas, and grow with peers. Working directly on projects, taking part in design reviews, and collaborating with experienced colleagues have helped me develop both my technical and consulting skills.
Currently, I’m working with a national Government body client, improving the design, functionality, and user experience of four demonstrators across desktop and mobile. I’ve also helped develop a cohesive design system – a first for many on the team – and created new logos to give each demonstrator its own identity.
The pace and expectations are high, but that has accelerated my growth by pushing me to take on new responsibilities and tackle design challenges I hadn’t faced before. Receiving positive feedback along the way has also been a huge confidence boost.
Today, I regularly present to clients — something I never would have believed possible a year ago. My team believed in me even when I didn’t, and that support has made all the difference. I’m proud of the rapport I’ve built, the quality of my work, and the contribution I make to my team. I’m still learning every day, but I feel more confident and capable than ever, continually inspired and supported by the talented people I get to work alongside every day.
Reflections on the Journey
Looking back, I’m proud of the route I’ve taken, even if it wasn’t straightforward. Every step of my journey has shaped how I approach problems and understand people.
Even though I once thought I had “no experience” relevant to consultancy, I’ve learned that so much is transferable. Skills I developed in university, hospitality, and retail – like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication – all set me up for success in ways I hadn’t realised at the time.
If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to have more confidence in those experiences. Having a non-traditional background can be a real advantage and a strong foundation to build from.
As I move into my second year of the being a Technical Consultant, I’m excited to see how much further I can grow. The past year has been transformative, and I can’t wait to continue learning and contributing to meaningful digital projects.
Final Thoughts
For anyone feeling uncertain about their next steps, worried about starting “late,” or lacking the “right” experience, my advice is simple: it’s never too late to follow your interests and build a career you love.
The journey might take longer than expected, but when you find a role that excites you, allows you to make a difference, and offers continuous learning and growth, it’s absolutely worth it.
Taking the leap a little later in life isn’t a weakness – it’s a strength. I’m proud that I was brave enough to take it.
To learn more about why we work at Informed, go to: https://www.informed.com/careers/why-informed/
