Soojin is a product designer at Magnopus, seamlessly blending design and user experience across our studio and product divisions. Having previously worked in HR, she pivoted to a career in design after discovering a passion for impactful user experiences. Soojin’s mostly worked in startups, which she really enjoys because of the fast-paced and hands-on nature!

Tell us more about what you do at Magnopus.

I’m a product designer, and my job is super awesome. I collaborate with a bunch of different teams, dig into the challenges people have for mobile/web/VR/MR, brainstorm ideas, research a ton, and then bring solutions to life through design. I love that I get to be creative in solving all kinds of problems!

You pivoted from a career in HR to a career in Product Design – tell us more!

I spent several years navigating the dynamic world of HR, primarily in fast-paced, start-up environments. While I’ve always had a creative side, it was actually my hands-on experience with HR tools that piqued my interest in design and led me to pivot my career.

As the sole HR person in several companies, I was the primary administrator for many HR tools. I was constantly evaluating, researching, implementing, and training people on various tools and championing different HR solutions. This gave me a really close look at product and user experience from every angle: the good, the bad, and the frustrating. I saw how different people perceived products and how companies solved the same problems with different approaches.

It was fascinating to see the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind product decisions and what made people feel frustrated when using these tools. I wanted to learn more about it – actually ALL about it! So I took an introductory UX design course and fell in love, then immersed myself in a full UX/UI design boot camp.

Now, as a product designer, I'm thrilled to bring that same problem-solving drive and user advocacy to creating truly impactful user experiences. It’s so cool that I get to do this for work!

Were there any skills you picked up from working in HR that help you now in your role as Product Designer?

100%! I see my time in HR as an incredibly effective and eye-opening training ground. It broadened my perspectives, deepened my empathy skills, all while honing my core strengths – thorough research, data analysis, and providing unique insights into product POVs from various user angles. On top of that, it strengthened my flexibility and ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of teams.

What has been your proudest/standout moment while working at Magnopus?

Honestly, my proudest moment was committing to my career change. Not just thinking about it, but actually DOING IT! After years in one field, it took a huge amount of mental effort and courage to make that leap. I wrestled with constant second-guessing, fear of regret, imposter syndrome, and wondering if I was making the right decision. There was a lot of uncertainty. But my family, friends, and the Magnopus team all had my back, and that support gave me the confidence and empowerment to keep going and overcome those fears. And now I’m writing this as a product designer talking about how much I love it!

Is there an app or tool that you couldn’t do your job without? (Forget Slack and emails!)

Google Notes and Miro! I’m a note-taker and a visual person, so these two are my everyday buddies. They help me organize my thoughts and communicate effectively with my teams.

Also, screenshots and screen recordings are great! Having visual references helps me stay focused.

How do you want to leave a mark on the world – personally or professionally?

One of my life mottos is: Be a learning sponge, and don’t be afraid to be seen trying. I believe there are learning opportunities in everything we do, and embracing the “sponge” mindset can help us soak up those moments.

This process naturally takes practice; trying new things, learning new things, and getting out of my comfort zone can feel scary. But over the years, I’ve learned that failures are okay too, and the greatest missed opportunity is not trying at all. It’s totally normal to feel and look awkward when trying something new, making mistakes, or being vulnerable. It doesn’t have to be perfect. So just go do the thing you want to do! And don’t be afraid to be seen trying, because the process matters too.

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?

Spending quality time with Harper, our 7-month-old puppy! Harper is so special to us. Back in January, during the wildfires in LA, my husband and I decided to open our home to a dog in need by fostering. We submitted several foster applications, but most of the dogs required a backyard, which we didn’t have. Then came Harper! She was a stray puppy (about eight weeks old, just three pounds), rescued by Dogs Without Borders. The day they rescued her, they texted us to see if we’d be interested in fostering her. We said yes and picked her up the next day. After two weeks, we officially “foster-failed” (a term used to describe when someone intends to temporarily foster a dog but ends up falling in love and adopting them instead)! Harper is extra special to us because we didn’t choose her. It felt more like we were meant to find each other and become a family. Now, we spend a lot of quality time together, exploring new places, showering her with endless love, and making sure she gets all the treats she deserves!

If you were on a game show, what would be your specialist subject?

Describing how perfumes smell! I love perfumes, and when I smell one, the scents come to me in distinct layers and shapes. For a perfume to win my heart, I need to love EVERY aspect of it. Some scents feel round, others like a cylinder, some are sharp, while others are soft. I also find it really interesting how the same perfume can smell differently on different people and how people perceive it uniquely. I just love the versatility and fun of it all!

What are you reading/listening to right now?

My reading streak is currently on vacation, but there is one book that I often think about: Signal Moon by Kate Quinn. It’s a short story (<60 pages) about an impossible connection across two centuries. It’s a quick read that left a lasting impression, and if you’re into time travel like me, I recommend it even more.

If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?

A pilot. In another universe, I think I would have loved being a pilot.

Where is one place you want to travel to in the world?

I’d love to visit where I grew up in Korea. I have vivid memories of specific alleys and stores, and I’m curious to see how much it has changed over the years.

What is your go-to comfort dinner?

Jjamppong (Korean spicy noodle soup with seafood, pork, and vegetables). It’s my FAVORITE food, and it makes me SO happy. If you like spicy food, seafood, and noodles, I’m 100% sure it’ll make you happy too!

Meet the Magnopians: Soojin Jun