Jade Carthans is interested in how human-centered design, machine learning, and data analytics can come together to solve critical problems that impact organizations and individuals. She gained firsthand experience in these areas through internships with Microsoft and State Farm.
Why did you pursue a BSIS degree?
As a transfer student, I selected the BSIS degree at the iSchool for its wide interdisciplinary approach. I've had many interests across technology, from product management and design to software engineering. I wanted a major that catered to my curiosity and adaptable mindset. As a student, I sought a major that would provide a fundamental foundation for exploring a wide range of tools, understandings, and technical abilities.
Why did you choose the iSchool at Illinois?
I was familiar with the University of Illinois before attending as an in-state resident, but I didn't know about the iSchool until I actively searched for a program focused on UX and human-centered design. I found the iSchool's diverse pathways to be particularly engaging as they delve into information sciences and explore the intersection of people, information, and technology.
Which areas of information science interest you the most?
I am most interested in human-centered design, machine learning, and data analytics. What draws me in is how these areas, while distinct, often overlap in practice. Human-centered design shapes how people interact with technology, machine learning enables systems to adapt and improve, and data analytics provides the insights to guide decisions. Through my courses, I have seen how interconnected these fields are, and it has been extraordinary to learn how they can come together to solve critical problems that impact organizations and individuals. Each of the disciplines provides a unique lens on technology, and I am most excited when I have the opportunity to combine them. As I continue in the field, I am eager to explore how these areas can be integrated to build tools and systems that are not only technically advanced but also intuitive and impactful for the people who use them.
What career plans or goals do you have?
My internships at Microsoft and State Farm have been transformative, allowing me to explore the intersection of technology, design, and human experience. At Microsoft, I discovered how data and AI can be harnessed to solve real-world security challenges. My experience at State Farm strengthened my understanding of human-centered design, collaboration, and the impact of research-informed decision-making on product usability and user engagement. Together, these experiences demonstrated to me that the most impactful work occurs at the intersection of technical skill, creative problem-solving, and an understanding of the people you’re designing for.
I am continuing to keep this curiosity mindset in my career plans and goals for the future. I am currently looking toward career opportunities focused on areas such as user-centered design, data analytics, and creating technical solutions. I seek to be directly involved in creating products and solutions that target users' problems and deliver meaningful impact. My goal is to bridge technical expertise with human-centered thinking, ensuring that the tools and systems I help build not only function effectively but also improve the experiences of the people who use them. Over time, I hope to grow into roles where I can lead cross-functional projects, mentor others, and continue learning as technology evolves.
What do you do outside of class?
Outside of class, I enjoy being a part of organizations that align with my professional interests. I've been involved in the leadership of Design Innovation for the past two years, and I am the current co-president of the organization. In addition, I am a member of the Psi Eta Mu, Information Sciences Fraternity, which connects like-minded students to participate in social and professional events throughout campus. Lastly, I am a three-year member of ColorStack, a community of Black and Latinx computer science and technology students, dedicated to supporting them in their technical careers.