You work as a UX designer for Adnovum’s Financial Services and Growth Markets units. Your career path has been anything but linear. Among other things, it has been shaped by the belief that if you don't try, you'll never find out. This is also true of your time at Adnovum.
Please tell us more!
I joined Adnovum in March 2021, initially as a software tester. My professional background had always been design, but like many others, I lost my job during Covid. When the opportunity at Adnovum appeared, I made the leap.
It was then a visit to the Zurich office that changed everything. Yael, my project manager at the time and someone who would have a major impact on my career, was showing me around when we crossed paths with Anneline Cachat, a UX designer. I casually mentioned my design background. Yael reacted immediately: «Don’t you want to become a UX designer?»
From that moment on, the ball started rolling. Yael opened the right doors, and suddenly the opportunity felt very real. I began upskilling, shifting step by step from testing to UX.
What do you like most about your job at Adnovum?
My work as a UX designer is hands-on, dynamic, and deeply collaborative. I appreciate working in international teams consisting of architects, front-end and back-end developers, testers, business analysts and, of course, clients. As a UX designer, I help clients figure out what they really need.
How about diversity in your team?
The teams I am part of are diverse in terms of background, age, and nationality. Here in Portugal, I work with colleagues that are based in Hungary, Switzerland, and Portugal. While clashes can happen, I’ve never felt this was an issue in our team. I also don’t feel any prejudice – not as a woman, nor because of age, religion, or cultural background. I always feel heard.
How did the working world change with respect to equality since you joined Adnovum?
There are now more women on the project. It can even happen that only women are in a meeting, e.g., testers, business analysts, and UX designers. These meetings are important and involve key decisions. When it comes to women software developers, I’m glad to see more of them in the Lisbon office: When I joined, there was just one, now there are four.
Overall, our women’s team has grown from five in 2021 to 12 today. We’re still a small group, but it’s a very positive sign.
What do you appreciate most about Adnovum as a company?
The flexibility Adnovum offers. It gives me the freedom to balance my career and my personal life. My days are full: I start early, have a challenging job, care for my four pets and in the evening I study to complete a post graduate program in UX. I love that I can organize my schedule around it all.
In addition, I appreciate the hybrid working model. On the one hand, I can work from home where I am more productive and focused, and take fewer breaks. On the other, I also enjoy our office project days where we go for lunch together and share other social activities.
This flexibility Adnovum offers has even allowed me to work remotely from cities like Paris, Rome, and Budapest, which were truly enriching experiences.
We believe that at Adnovum anybody can be successful and will get the support needed. Can you give an example where you felt truly encouraged by Adnovum?
When I expressed my interest in further training, such as certifications and postgraduate studies, I found immediate support. My team lead Paulo encouraged my development, allowed me to attend classes during working hours, and continues to support me in postgraduate studies in Web UX/UI.
What makes Adnovum’s culture special in your eyes?
Within the UX team, everyone helps each other. My teammate Patrick has been very supportive of me from the start. He never imposed his ideas on my designs. Instead, he taught me a lot, and under his guidance I was able to refine and adapt my ideas.
What is it that women can do better at work than men? And is there something men can do better than women?
Men focus on what is realistic, they are down-to-earth and consider the downsides. Women, in turn, see the big picture, are creative and want to try out new things. A mix of both creates a strong and balanced team.
Which role model shaped you?
Professionally: Yael, without her I would never have become a UX designer. She was my project manager back then. She goes above and beyond, drives things forward, and remains the best manager I’ve ever had.
Personally: My mother, who passed away from breast cancer when I was 12. My mum had been a high school teacher who made a real impact on students’ lives, especially those facing difficulties. She supported a pregnant student who was neglected at home. She stepped in when no one else would. I’m proud to have her genes and I feel I have inherited her instinct to help others.
What advice would you give to female colleagues?
Stay fearless. The world is still not everywhere ready for women. But never accept less than you deserve.
Thank you, Rafaela, for the open and inspiring interview.