Building a Successful Career in Design

This presentation outlines my personal journey and the lessons on building a successful career in design, drawing from over eight years of experience across fintech, regulated industries, and high-tech companies. It traces my growth from early roles at IGHub and SIH/Hotels.ng—where I built foundational skills, networks, and technical experience—through key turning points at Softcom, Flutterwave, and ChipperCash, which strengthened my product thinking, end-to-end design skills, and career trajectory. The talk highlights how different environments (startups, big fintech, international teams) contributed to both professional growth and financial stability. The core message emphasizes mastering design fundamentals, developing strong soft skills, networking, staying flexible and strategic, and aiming to be a well-rounded generalist to stand out—especially in the AI era.

Transcript

1. Date 27th December 2025 Presented by Thelma Dike Role Senior Product Designer, ChipperCash Building a Design Career Successful
2. About Me Introduction 2016 2017 2018 2021 2022 2022 My name is Thelma, a Designer with 8 years of experience specializing in complex fintech, regulated industries and hi-tech manufacturing. 

 I focus on transforming high-stakes workflows into clear, trustworthy experiences that deliver measurable business impact. I have previously driven significant improvements at companies like ChipperCash, Verizon R&D and Apple.
3. Where it Started.... Chapter 1: IGHUB Fresh out of University, working with Innovation Growth Hub, Abia State.

 The Essentials Network Tech Experience Knowledge Introduction 2016 2017 2018 2021 2022 2022
4. The Era Do It All Chapter 2: SIH/Hotels.ng During NYSC, I was posted to SIH where I worked for a year

 The Essentials Network Community Hard Skills and Multiple Skills Hotels.ng Internship Introduction 2016 2017 2018 2021 2022 2022
5. First Turning Point Chapter 3: Softcom Moving to Lagos to join Softcom changed my life. 

 The Essentials In-house Design Work Great Design Guidance Design Hard Skills End-to-End Product in the Market Agency Experience Introduction 2016 2017 2018 2021 2022 2022
6. Startup World Chapter 4: Flutterwave Joining the big brand names

 The Essentials Product in the Market Big FinTech Name Startup Ex Introduction 2016 2017 2018 2021 2022 2022
7. Second Turning Point Chapter 5: ChipperCash The Essentials Soft & Other Skills Money Big FinTech Name Start Ex Career Growth Introduction 2016 2017 2018 2021 2022 2022
8. Growth... Chapter 6: TheoremOne The Essentials Growth Money Big Name Brands International Teams Introduction 2016 2017 2018 2021 2022 2022
9. Stand out in the AI Age Get good at the fundamentals Learn the core soft skills Network Be willing to grow Be flexible and strategic Aim to be a generalist Understand people Time and chance
10. Thank you!