IxDA Cincinnati - Let’s Show Up and Support Each Other!

Whether you are in the Season of looking for a new role or want to be there to support your community of designers. Let’s all Pay It Forward!

After a fun Lightning Round on network connections , our panel will help make searching for a job less daunting and perhaps even rewarding! Topics will include:

• Best practices of job searching
• Current state of the market for designers
• Changes to the ‘traditional’ job-search framework
• Leveraging your network- including from those attending

Our goal is for attendees to leave with a renewed sense of confidence in tackling your job search, supported by our great design community!

Refreshments will be provided by our sponsor, TEKsystems Digital

ABOUT OUR PANEL
Nick Hawes, BFA, MA, CUA | Anthropologist | Designer | Ambiguity Disruptor | Chaos Wrangler
I’m kind of like a UX Swiss Army knife for the gnarliest and most ambiguous human experience problems - I’ve got just the right tool for whatever you want to throw at me. With 10+ years diving into the messy, complex stuff that makes other people nervous, I've learned that the best way to tackle chaos is head-on with curiosity, compassion and a good sense of humor.⁠⁠
My background blends anthropology, science, and design, which basically means I love understanding why people do what they do and figuring out how to make their lives easier.

Caleb Smith, Lead Product Designer | Design Systems, UX Design, UX Research, and Design Strategy
Hello! My name is Caleb and I am a Design Systems Lead II at One North, a digital experience agency owned by TEKsystems Global Services. Being a part of many design system efforts for enterprise clients such as Kroger, I have been able to provide sources-of-truth and strategic systems thinking for companies to take charge of their product development and evolution in an ever changing landscape.

Nichole Chaney, Lead Product Designer that balances creativity with business impact
Hi, I’m Nichole - a product designer who combines creativity, research, and strategy to turn complex challenges into intuitive experiences. With a foundation in communication design and a Master’s in Design from the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program, I’ve spent over 20 years using design to create solutions that are not only beautiful but meaningful and effortless to use. With 8 years dedicated to UX, I know that successful design is built as much on collaboration and relationships as it is on craft and technical skill.

Lori Jerome, Account Executive, TEKsystems
Hi, I’m Lori, and I’ve spent my career of 30 years making connections with both clients and individuals. I enjoy helping our customers solve their complex problems by aligning the best possible individual(s) and also I enjoy helping candidates make that next best move for them. When I’m not networking I enjoy going for a run, watching sports, curling up with a good book or spending time with family and friends.

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR
TEKsystems Digital is the Digital and Creative division of TEKsystems, a $4.1 billion, 34-year-old privately held staffing and advisory services firm. We partner with clients to augment, extend, accelerate, or transform their digital business strategies. We operate within 400+ digital marketing organizations with a Digital and Creative workforce over 1,700 strong. Additionally, our Global Services team brings global innovation and development centers that add an additional 1,500 to our digital delivery capabilities.