Anna Donovan

MA International Cultural Policy and Management, 2016

Based in: New York

First job:

My first job was as an office manager at an architectural visualization agency. It was a great first role to learn about the operations of a small business, and it was an introduction to the tech world.

Ambitions for the future:

 collaborate with teams of software developers and designers to create innovative products for clients, continuously improving and refining them to meet evolving needs and deliver exceptional value.

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

At Heady, a digital product consultancy, I work closely with clients across various industries to build digital products. As a Product Manager, I work to understand the client's business needs and develop ideas for technical solutions. I work with a team of software developers and designers to build products for the clients, and then to continually improve and iterate on the products we build.

What’s your favourite part of the role?

What I love the most is the diversity of products I get to work on. So far I've had the opportunity to work with clients in health, fashion, and consumer electronics. Each project allows me to learn something new, whether it's about a new industry or emerging technologies.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

Although my degree wasn't directly related to tech or product management, my time at Warwick allowed me to develop key skills that I use every day at work. Working with the international student community in my course taught me how to navigate diverse perspectives and collaborate across cultures. This has been critical to all of my jobs in tech, as I’ve worked at global companies and with international development teams in Nigeria, Portugal, and India.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?

The career path I initially had in mind was in arts administration, where I hoped to work in galleries and museums. While I've always had a strong personal interest in art, when the opportunity to join a tech start-up came along, I saw it as an exciting new challenge in a successful and growing industry. That first start-up role led to other jobs at interesting tech companies and has allowed me to move to New York City.

What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?

The tech industry is incredibly broad, offering opportunities for people from all backgrounds. If you don't have a tech-specific degree or a lot of experience in tech, focus on showcasing your transferable skills, a passion for learning, and the drive to tackle challenges.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Since the development team I currently work with is based in India, I work with this team in the morning. We have daily stand-up calls where we review progress and align on goals. Later in the day, I shift focus to client calls, providing updates, and discussing upcoming features or adjustments. In between, I write product requirement documents, draft user stories, and keep the roadmap on track. Though it's a busy schedule, I enjoy going into the office twice a week where I can take breaks to catch up with co-workers.

What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges has been operating in a tech space without a formal technical background. With my communication skills, I focus on collaborating with my team, leveraging their expertise where needed, and continually learning from them. This has allowed me to contribute to technical discussions and ensure project success.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?

The best advice I've heard about my career is to be myself. In competitive work environments, it can seem like there is only one way to be successful, and that you have to fit in a certain way to get ahead. But success comes from building genuine relationships, being honest, and working collaboratively.

What should current students or recent alumni be doing to move their careers forward?

Gaining practical experience is key to moving careers forward, whether it's through internships, part-time work, or roles outside of your ideal field. Each experience teaches you valuable lessons about what you want and what you don't want in your career and can lead to unexpected opportunities in the future.