Push Forward: Career Progression with Junior UX/UI Designer, Maria Yaneva
At Push Gaming, we pride ourselves on our brilliant team. Many have been with us for some time, working their way up from junior roles to some of the most senior positions in the business.
We love seeing our team take on new challenges, especially when it allows them to focus on the things they love most, which sometimes means a team member can start on one side of the business and end up somewhere completely different, depending on where their interests lead them.
Maria Yaneva joined Push in April 2023 as a part-time Office Manager, assisting on a range of projects around the London Office and beyond. Today, Maria has spent the past 5 months as a Junior UX/UI Designer, applying her skills to the product side of the business. We spoke with Maria about her journey so far and how Push has helped her to pursue her passion through work.
When you first joined Push Gaming as a part-time Office Manager, what attracted you to the company, and how did you begin discovering your interest in UX/UI design while working in that role?
When I joined Push Gaming in 2023, I had already begun my journey into UX/UI design. After spending years in admin and customer service, I realised my passion lies in making everyday tasks simpler, more accessible, and even fun for people, allowing them to go about their day “frustration-free.” I thought, "Why not take that idea digital?" So, I took the leap—quitting my full-time job to find a part-time role that would give me more time to focus on my studies. I was also eager to be in a creative environment where I could learn and observe how different teams collaborate. Push Gaming turned out to be the perfect match - with its dynamic setup, I knew right away I was in the right place!
How did Push support you when you expressed an interest in transitioning from office management to a UX/UI design role? Were there specific resources, training, or mentorship that helped guide your journey?
Everyone at Push was incredibly supportive of my transition from Office Manager to UX/UI Designer. They recognised my passion and eagerness to learn, facilitated my relationship with the Marketing team and the lead UX/UI designer at the time, who were instrumental in my growth. They provided guidance, shared their expertise, and helped me understand the company’s design frameworks and processes. Beyond grateful!
Did any of the skills you developed as an Office Manager, such as communication or organisation, help you succeed in your role as a Junior UX/UI Designer?
Absolutely! UX relies heavily on ‘soft-skills’ and I definitely developed mine being an Office Manager at Push. Such a dynamic role! I’ve always tried to apply UX techniques whether it was managing lunch orders or organising events. This approach helped me understand my colleagues’ needs better and find ways to improve their experiences. As a result, I achieved a nearly 40% boost in event attendance, which is similar to enhancing user engagement in digital products! Overall, my experiences in both roles have come full circle!
How would you describe Push Gaming’s culture in terms of supporting employees’ career growth and encouraging lateral movement within the company?
Push Gaming has a really supportive culture when it comes to career growth. Our HR team runs great initiatives that encourage learning and development. Senior management is also proactive about spotting talent and helping individuals reach their goals. It’s a refreshing environment where personal growth is genuinely valued, making it easy for employees to explore different paths and find their best fit within the company.
What advice would you give to someone at Push Gaming or elsewhere who is considering a career shift but is unsure how to take the first step?
My advice would be to start by identifying your strengths and think about how they can be applied to the career you’re aiming for. Don’t hesitate to engage with different teams and try to understand the bigger picture of how things work across the company. Most importantly, be proactive—ask questions, seek out opportunities, and don’t be afraid to take that first step. Embrace the journey and trust that you’ll find your way!
Looking back at your journey from office manager to Junior UX/UI Designer, what are you most proud of, and how do you think your story reflects the opportunities available at Push Gaming?
I’m most proud of discovering my true passion and taking the leap into a new career, even when it wasn’t always easy. I think my story highlights how dedicated Push Gaming is to career development. The company values its people, and my transition to this new role is a perfect example of how Push encourages and supports growth. It gives others the confidence to pursue their own goals and explore new opportunities within the organisation!
We would like to thank Maria for her contributions, we’re excited to see what the future has in store for her at Push! Are you looking for a role that allows you to follow your passions? Keep an eye on our current vacancies, you might just find the role for you!
