Rising Stars: Meet Anshika Saxena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anshika Saxena. 

Anshika, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Allow me to introduce myself; I am Anshika Saxena, an aspiring Product Designer making my mark in the industry. Recently, I completed my master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction from the prestigious University of Michigan. Excitingly, I will soon embark on a new journey as a Product Designer at Perkins & Will, one of the world’s largest architecture firms located in Chicago. Here’s a glimpse into my transformative journey that has led me to where I am today. Since my childhood, I have possessed an innate curiosity that compelled me to seek out alternatives to traditional and clichéd approaches. I found joy in pursuing endeavors that were different and unconventional. While choosing my undergraduate degree specialization, this inquisitive nature posed a challenge. In 2015, in India, the field of design was not well-established. The design was often misunderstood as solely revolving around fashion or creating aesthetically pleasing furniture. Opting for design meant deviating from more established paths like engineering or medicine, and it was a tough decision to make. 

Fortunately, I was blessed with incredibly supportive parents who encouraged me to pursue my passions. I vividly remember being an average student, often feeling intimidated by peers who excelled academically. Despite my apprehensions, I embarked on an enriching four-year journey in Industrial Design for my undergraduate degree. 

After facing numerous interview rejections, I questioned my choice of a non-traditional career path. However, landing a position as a User Experience Designer at Fiserv marked a fresh start. This opportunity allowed me to apply my industrial design skills to create engaging user interfaces for digital products. Joining Globant later on, I had the privilege of contributing to a corporate travel application for Expedia, which solidified my passion for impactful user experiences. These early career experiences refined my skills, instilled confidence, and shaped me into a resilient professional dedicated to creating meaningful designs. 

As a stubborn child, my determination played a crucial role in securing admission to one of the top graduate schools in the United States for my master’s degree. After two years of applications, I overcame numerous challenges to pursue my dream. Flying thousands of miles away from my family at such a young age seemed like a daunting prospect, almost like a nightmare. It was an unimaginable step for me. However, with the legal processes behind me, I arrived in Detroit on August 23, 2021. Since then, my journey at the School of Information has been filled with prestigious opportunities and invaluable learnings that I will cherish for a lifetime. 

During my time at the school, I pushed myself to explore technical aspects of design, expanding my skill set and knowledge base. Additionally, I had the privilege of teaching over 200 students for three semesters, which had a profound impact on my professional growth. This experience enabled me to gain confidence in expressing myself and representing my ideas in larger settings. Along this journey, I have had the pleasure of working with exceptional individuals who have supported and nurtured my growth. 

One of my most memorable experiences was my summer internship at Dell Technologies, where I served as a Product Design Consultant. Collaborating with renowned designers within the team, I had the opportunity to work with Dell’s Design System. This experience provided me with a profound understanding of designing for a large-scale user base. Witnessing the development of UI elements and interactions designed to cater to millions of users left me astonished. Each unique domain experience I have gained throughout my journey has further deepened my appreciation for my work, instilling a sense of accomplishment and pride. 

As I take a moment to reflect on this incredible journey, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. I embarked on this path without fear, and today, the individual I have become is a testament to my own efforts. Along this journey, I have witnessed tremendous professional growth, connecting with and being recognized by talented individuals from around the world. Moreover, I have embraced the challenges life has presented to me, emerging as a resilient and empowered woman. The most important lesson my journey has taught me is to never give up, to persist until the very last breath. I have discovered the joy in striving for everything I desire in life as long as it brings me happiness. This unwavering determination has shaped my character and continues to propel me forward. As I stand at this juncture, I am excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve. I am fueled by the passion that drives me and the unwavering belief in myself. With each new challenge, I am reminded that I have the power to overcome, to carve my own path, and to shape a future filled with fulfillment and happiness. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any individual, my journey has not been a smooth ride. Being away from loved ones and striving for new things has been challenging. However, I am grateful for the obstacles, struggles, failures, and people I’ve encountered along the way. They have shaped me into the person I am today. Through this journey, I have conquered my fears, becoming a stronger individual who is willing to take life-changing risks. 

As I prepare to leave Ann Arbor and embark on a new journey, I carry with me an abundance of amazing memories. From my work at school to my interactions with peers and teaching hundreds of students in my part-time role, I cherish the appreciation and the connections I have formed. These experiences and the people I’ve met will remain with me for a lifetime. 

This journey has taught me the value of perseverance in the face of rejection. I’ve realized that every opportunity holds significance after going through various rejections. My determination to never give up has led me to achieve more than I ever thought possible. This rocky road journey will forever hold a special place in my heart and be cherished throughout my life. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For nearly eight years, design has been an integral part of my life, and I’m thrilled to say that my passion and curiosity remain as strong as ever. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to earn a living from something I love, and my aspiration is to maintain this enthusiasm for another 40 years and beyond. With a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design and diverse experiences across various domains such as medical, consumer products, finance, and travel, I’ve had the privilege of exploring different aspects of design. 

Reflecting on my journey thus far, I take pride in being recognized for my exceptional communication and collaboration skills, which have allowed me to seamlessly work with cross-functional teams in my professional roles. I have a deep sense of empathy and user advocacy, always prioritizing the needs of end-users throughout the design process. My analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities have proven invaluable in navigating complexities and proposing innovative solutions. 

One aspect that sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to continuous learning. I embrace failure as an opportunity to grow and constantly strive for excellence. The sense of accomplishment I feel when overcoming challenges is truly gratifying. I look back on my experiences and journey with fondness, as they have shaped me into the person I aspire to be. 

What makes me stand out is the balance I maintain between soft professional skills and technical expertise. As a mentor on ADPList.org, a global design platform, I take great pride in giving back to the design community I belong to. I find immense motivation in assisting individuals in achieving their dreams and fostering connections among designers worldwide. 

What do you think about happiness?
My parents have always been my greatest source of strength. Whenever I find myself feeling less affectionate or disconnected, I reflect on the countless moments I have spent with them. The smile of pride that adorned their faces as I walked across the stage during my graduation is a memory that completes me. Interestingly, my definition of happiness is not grand or elaborate. Instead, I find joy in the simplest of things throughout my day. I am overjoyed by the little wonders that I encounter, whether it’s the recent visit to a Disney store or the satisfaction of trying out a new activity. I firmly believe that life is fleeting, and this realization fuels my motivation to seek out small moments of happiness every day. By doing so, I am able to find solace and a sense of fulfillment. I embrace the present, living in the moment while also treasuring the beautiful memories of the past. 

Travel is one of my greatest passions, and it is in exploring new places and immersing myself in different cultures that I find true peace. I take pleasure in saving multiple city highlights on my Instagram, allowing them to serve as a delightful escape from the monotony of daily routines. As my dad wisely reminds me, life is not merely about reaching a destination; it is about the journey itself. I am grateful for everything and everyone that has played a part in shaping my life. 

Every experience, whether positive or negative, over the course of my 25-year journey has contributed to the person I am today—a person far beyond my wildest dreams. I am thankful for the growth, the lessons, and the challenges that have shaped me into who I am today. With gratitude in my heart, I embrace each new day, seeking happiness in the small moments and finding contentment in the memories that define me. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: saxenanshika
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saxenanshika