Gael Merino-Donahue
Gael is a student in the Master in User Experience Design and comes from France. He tells that Barcelona Technology School has a great relationship with digital companies which creates the opportunity to better know the ecosystem of Barcelona.
What inspired you to study abroad?
I was living in Canada and was looking to get out of my comfort zone, which I like to do a lot. And I was looking for Master’s, found one here – I have already visited Barcelona before, so I knew I love the city – and decided to come.
How is living in Barcelona?
Living in Barcelona is great. Warm weather, the ecosystem – basically now Barcelona is growing a lot. Since I got here, I have been shocked how many startups in digital are growing and settling in this neighborhood. So, this is very inspiring and thriving to be here.
How do you see yourself in the near future?
That’s a great question. I don’t know where I see myself in future, I don’t really know how, but I know that what I’ll do I’ll love and if not – I’ll change. I know that want to work in digital, I for now I want to be in product management or UX research – I have to choose between both. If I can do both at the same time, I’ll love it.
Are you developing new skills?
I’m developing a lot of new skills, mostly design thinking and having more of a design approach to every project. Design thinking where I have to solve the problems, but I don’t solve them based on my opinion, I solve them based on testing it with other people and coming back to the problem if it’s not the right solution.
What do u expect of your internship?
I started my internship a few weeks ago. I expect it to be able to apply what I learn in class, which I am doing. I am learning a lot – you learn it in a class, you apply it in projects and then you apply it in the company. And you have to sell it to your boss or a CEO of a company which is really exciting, because just saying you learned it is not enough – you have to really understand it and prove it.
Why would you recommend Barcelona Technology School?
I would recommend Barcelona Technology School for two main reasons. First – the ecosystem. Barcelona Technology School has a really good relationship with a lot of digital companies, start-ups and really big digital companies. And secondly – for its worthy teaching. It’s small groups and everything you learn you apply in projects while working in groups.
Is this time abroad impacting your life?
Yes, this time abroad is impacting my life. First of all, because it’s always different to live abroad. I am at point in my life where I have to make decisions and I think BTS is giving me the tools to make the right decisions.
How is your experience at Barcelona Technology School?
My experience at BTS is great – I have a great relationship with my teachers, great relationship with my classmates – where are small classes so I know everyone, I’m really close to everyone and I am actually having fun in class while learning.
