From Hotel Lobbies to High-Fidelity Designs: A Story from Andy - UI/UX Designer at Q-shop
Thinking about a career shift? Wondering what it’s really like to work remotely for a dynamic Korean company like PICKDI?
We sat down with Duy Anh, one of our talented UI/UX Designers, who made a bold leap from the hospitality industry into the world of tech and design. His story is not just inspiring; it’s a real, honest look at the challenges, triumphs, and incredible growth that can happen when you find the right fit.
If you’re a candidate looking for your next big move, read on to see if Duy Anh's journey resonates with you.
Q: Welcome, Duy Anh! To start, could you tell us a bit about your background? It’s quite unique!
Duy Anh - Hello! My name is Duy Anh. My background is actually in Hospitality Management. I worked at a hotel for about a year, and honestly, I felt like it was completely burning me out.
During that time, I’d often see people working from cool, chill coffee shops with just their laptops. The vibe was great, the coffee was good, and the view was beautiful. I started dreaming of a job that offered that kind of freedom and atmosphere. That's what led me to explore the world of design. I started watching YouTube tutorials, enrolled in a dedicated UX/UI design course, and eventually, I was lucky enough to land my first design role here at PICKDI!
Q: That’s amazing. You mentioned PICKDI was your first official design job, and you were chosen from hundreds of applicants. What do you think was your key strength?
Duy Anh - I wouldn't say I was better than people with more experience, but I believe my greatest strength is being a fast learner. Coming from a completely different field, I knew I had to absorb everything I could. I spent the year before applying really honing my skills, working on outside projects, and learning from a mentor. I think that combination of dedication and a willingness to learn quickly is what helped PICKDI see my potential.
Q: You switched from a very people-facing, offline job to a fully remote one. What's the biggest difference, and what do you love most about remote work?
Duy Anh - The difference is night and day! At the hotel, I was interacting with maybe 100-200 people every single day. The pace was fast, and I had to be extremely flexible and responsive.
When I switched to remote work, things felt slower and more focused. I'll be honest, sometimes I do miss the constant human interaction. That’s the trade-off. Many people think remote work is all about freedom, and that's true—that’s the positive side. But you also have to be prepared for the quiet moments.
Q: You mentioned one of the challenges of remote work can be loneliness. How have you navigated that?
Duy Anh -That’s true. It can be lonely when it's just you and your laptop all day. But my most memorable experience so far has been about connection. At my previous client company, I worked with another Vietnamese colleague.
We talked back and forth a lot, sharing knowledge and our work experiences. Through that, I gained a new colleague and friend. It made me feel no longer lonely. It showed me that even when working remotely, you can build meaningful professional relationships if you are open to it.
But what do I love? Definitely the freedom and flexibility. I manage my own schedule, save so much time on commuting, and most importantly, I get to do a job I genuinely love. The combination of doing design work I'm passionate about while having this level of flexibility makes it a truly joyful experience.
Q: Let's talk about the "Korean company" aspect. Many candidates worry that Korean bosses might be too strict. What has your experience been?
Duy Anh - (Laughs) It’s true, my friends all warned me, "Don't do it! You're walking into a storm!" But because this was my first design job, I wanted to keep an open mind and just try.
And I have to say, my experience has been the complete opposite of the stereotype. I feel like I hit the jackpot. The people at PICKDI and our Korean client have been incredibly nice and supportive. The work assignments are always clear and well-structured.
I have a great memory from my first month. I needed a subscription to an AI tool for work. I asked my account manager if we could request a basic $30 plan from the client. That same afternoon, the client messaged me directly and said, "Do you need this account? Let's get you the best one," and bought the $90 plan without a second thought. They are invested in giving you the tools you need to succeed.
Q: That’s a fantastic story. Besides great tools, do you feel you’re growing professionally in a remote environment?
Duy Anh - Absolutely. My skills have leveled up faster than I could have imagined. Before PICKDI, a personal project might take me one or two months to finish at a relaxed pace.
When I joined, my client’s standard was one full project template per day.
On my first day, I was shocked and told my client, "Is there any way we can move the deadline? This is going to crush me!" She smiled and said, "Nope, this is the standard. You can do it."
The first two weeks were tough, but by the third week, I understood the workflow and was hitting the targets. I’m producing work at a pace I never thought possible, and the quality of my UI design has improved dramatically. The learning curve is steep, but the growth is real and incredibly rewarding.
Q: A practical question many candidates have: Do I need to speak Korean to work with a Korean client?Duy Anh - Not at all. In my case, our client team communicates entirely in English. I have an English background, so daily interactions are smooth and easy. There’s no language barrier to worry about.
Q: Finally, what are your future plans, and do they include PICKDI?
Duy Anh - For sure! Continuing to work remotely with PICKDI is a definite yes. My short-term goal is to do great work and secure a second contract with the company next year. I’m excited to keep growing here.
Inspired by Duy Anh’s story? If you’re a passionate, disciplined, and fast-learning individual ready to level up your career in a supportive and flexible remote environment, we’d love to hear from you.
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