My story

So, my parents established I had dyspraxia from an early age because my dad also has it, and they could spot the similarities between us. However, I didn’t get an official diagnosis until I got to my GCSE’s and my music teacher - who I was quite close to - suggested that I should take a dyspraxia test to find out if I had it, so that I’d be able to receive extra help if I needed it.

From that moment on, I could get the help and support that I needed to get through school and eventually take on and complete a master’s degree at Loughborough University. Although, before applying to Loughborough and completing my master’s, I undertook a Web Design and Development degree at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston - that’s when I found my passion for UX (User Experience) Design.

After graduating, I struggled for a while trying to find work. I had multiple interviews for various roles and just found it incredibly difficult to break into the field that I wanted to get into (UX design). Eventually, I realised that my best option was to go and secure an extra qualification that would allow me to get my foot in the door somewhere within the industry. That’s what led me to take on my master’s degree in User Experience Design, and fortunately, that turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.

I found that I really started to flourish at Loughborough. This was down to being surrounded by very supportive mentors, lecturers, and peers who were there to help and support me whenever I was struggling. A year later, I graduated with a master’s filled with confidence that I was going to secure the job I’d been waiting for.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 hit and the lockdowns that followed meant that I had to wait a while for my dream role in UX Design. However, I remained patient, turned down a couple of roles that sounded too good to be true (and probably were), and then that’s when I came across the vacancy to come and work for Advanced as an Associate UX Designer.

Finding my feet at Advanced

I couldn’t be happier with the colleagues I’m currently working with in the UX team, here at Advanced. The team is made up of a relatively small, well-knit and diverse group of people who have been very inclusive and welcoming from the day I joined the business.

In some workplaces you can get a bit of a class system, however, that’s never been a factor here at Advanced. Everybody really seems to embody one of our core values - One Advanced - by treating each other with equity and respect.

I feel incredibly fortunate to work for a growing and prosperous company like Advanced, in a field that I'm incredibly passionate about. Having the opportunity to work on, and oversee products related to Health & Care – given that I have dyspraxia –  feels incredibly fulfilling, as I log on each morning to continue enhancing and developing products that really make a difference.

Dealing with dyspraxia in the workplace

One of the main things that I struggle with is working towards deadlines and the pressures that come with that. However, people with dyspraxia like to have structure, so I’ll overcome this by writing out a list: helping me to prioritise, remain organised and manage my time effectively to keep on top of everything.

Processing information is another thing that I really struggle with. Some people can read through an entire book in only a few days, whereas the same book will take me at least twice as long to read. On the other hand, there are certain strengths that I’ve picked up from the years that I've spent dealing with my disability - especially at work. 

from being dyspraxic. My mental maths is very strong, and I seem to have developed a very strong and meticulous memory.

I’ve really appreciated that Advanced have taken my dyspraxia into account, in terms of how it affects my work patterns. My people manager has made it very clear that if I’m ever struggling with anything I can come to her and receive extra guidance or support if necessary.

I love that hybrid working enables me to choose where I work depending on how I’m feeling. I’ve got a great home office set-up, meaning that when I decide to work from home, I’ve got all the tools and equipment needed to excel in my role.

Another thing I really appreciated was when Advanced announced that they were scrapping probation periods. Being on probation was something that gave me a lot of anxiety and stress, so it felt like a huge relief when the business decided to scrap the notion altogether. I remember the day that I was told that I’d passed my probation, and I’ll never forget going home and telling my mum the good news!

I’m really grateful to have such a supportive team and manager around me. I decided to tell them all about my dyspraxia, and in return they opened up about stuff that they struggle with, which was a really nice touch from them and felt like a big weight off my shoulders. 

My advice to anyone with dyspraxia

My advice to anyone dealing with dyspraxia is to find your passion, and then push hard, and continue pushing until you achieve your goal. It might not be as easy as someone who doesn’t have dyspraxia, and you might have to work a little harder to get there, but if you’re willing to put the hard work and dedication into it, then you’ll eventually get where you need to be.

As soon as I realised UX was something that I was passionate about; I set my mind on finding a career in the industry, and I didn’t stop working and persevering until I got there. So even though you might have to go through some periods of adversity to get to the place you want to be – if you’re willing to put the hard work and effort in – then you've got a great chance of finding the right place for you.