A blog by Prayas Ahuja
When I first embarked on my 3-week mentorship at Lagom, little did I know that it would be an adventure filled with valuable experiences and a team that would make me feel like part of a close-knit family. Lagom Strategy not only nurtured my skills as a user researcher but also taught me the art of being a good listener.
One aspect that stood out to me during my time at Lagom was the team’s impressive versatility. They effortlessly switched roles with a mere click, leaving me envious of their jack-of-all-trades abilities. Witnessing this level of expertise within the company inspired me to broaden my own skill set.
During the first week, I had the opportunity to meet and work closely with each member of the team. It was a deep dive into the world of user research and service design, gaining insights into the intricate processes that drive the discovery phase of projects.
Victoria played a crucial role during this week by helping me understand the importance of time management and project management. Her guidance provided valuable insights into efficiently managing my entire schedule and working on multiple tasks effectively. It was a lesson that I will carry with me throughout my career.
With my natural curiosity and reputation for asking lots of questions, I was pleasantly surprised by how everyone at Lagom always had the answers, eager to provide insights into domains ranging from design, user research, service design, leadership, and more. It was an exciting week filled with insightful discussions that broadened my horizons.
In the second week, I had the pleasure of connecting with John, who introduced me to the fascinating world of service design. Though our time together felt fleeting, the knowledge I gained in those 50 minutes was immeasurable. I am excited to continue this journey with his mentorship, confident that it will bear fruit in my professional growth.
During this week, I also formed a special bond with James. We collaborated on interviews and write-ups, and our conversations expanded beyond work to include cricket, travel, and various other topics. His guidance and friendship added an extra layer of enjoyment to my experience at Lagom. I’ll miss our lively discussions and his valuable insights.
The third week provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with Charlotte, a remarkable user researcher. She guided me in understanding personas, user needs, and the art of reading between the lines. Charlotte’s expertise and mentorship were invaluable in shaping my skills as a user researcher.
Lastly, I had the privilege of exploring the business side of things with Liam. Our close collaboration allowed me to blend the worlds of business and design, broadening my perspective and encouraging me to keep an open mind.
Reflecting on this journey, I can confidently say that Lagom not only provided me with valuable industry insights but also fostered an environment where I felt welcomed and valued. As I look back to day one, I am amazed by the tremendous growth I have experienced in such a short period.
I raise my virtual glass to each member of the Lagom team, extending my heartfelt gratitude for their support and for dedicating their time to enriching my learning experience. These three weeks have been among the highlights of my first year in the UK, and I am sincerely thankful for everyone’s guidance and encouragement.
