AsKin Questions to Nergis Çolak, UX Researcher

I'm an avid lover of all things aquatic, with a passion for swimming and any sport that lets me make a splash. In fact, I was not only a professional swimmer but also coached during my university years. The underwater world has always felt like my second home, a place of comfort and tranquility. 

On the flip side, I have a love for pulsating beats of techno music. I often find myself chasing after sunsets and music festivals, enjoying the vibrant energy they bring!

I’m currently working as a UX Researcher with a client in the renewable energy industry at Kin + Carta’s office in Prishtina (formerly known as Frakton).

I kicked off my journey in New York City, pursuing Fashion Marketing. Yet, after working in the fashion industry, it dawned on me that I was craving something different, something more in tune with my deeper aspirations. I was yearning for a career where my impact would be tangible, and where I could leave a greater footprint. Heeding this inner calling, I got my Master’s Degree in UX Design. Here, I fell in love with research and its potent role in UX design. Looking back, this shift in direction has been a truly rewarding journey so far!

One of the standout aspects for me is the mutual understanding and empathy that we share as a team. It makes a significant difference in our day-to-day work and fosters a feeling of being truly understood. 

But what really adds a sprinkle of magic is the amazing people of Kin + Carta in Prishtina. They are fun, caring, energetic and have set a high standard. The tight-knit bond, the inside jokes, and the meme culture here is something special and has amazed me since day one! 

My decision to join Kin + Carta in Prishtina, then known as Frakton, was guided by a few key factors. I was seeking an environment that operated at a global level while also being dynamic, supportive of personal growth, and being a home to a solid company culture. I conducted my research on Kin + Carta which looked like asking countless people to get a feel for the company's reputation. The feedback was consistently positive! Now, almost 10 months since joining, I'm pleased to say that my initial impressions align with my full experience. The team here has been nothing short of wonderful.

I'd suggest starting with some introspection. Tech is a vast field with a multitude of roles. Each title comes with its unique set of responsibilities and requirements. My advice is to take time and explore these roles, and understand what they entail. Then, introspect to see which of these aligns with your skills, interests, and personal traits. 

This understanding will serve as a compass to navigate the varied roles in the tech industry, helping to find the one that's just right for you. There's much more to tech than coding, it's a diverse field with many paths.

The magic of working on a project that transcends borders and time zones is what fuels my inspiration. Knowing that the work I do can have an impact halfway across the globe is an exhilarating feeling. It's a powerful reminder of the reach and influence of technology in our interconnected world. This perspective of my work keeps me inspired every day.