Transitioning to the contracting world can be scary, especially if you're coming from a role that is a complete 180 from the industry. Hosts Liz and Marie discuss their journey into the industry and share the fears they had, what excites them about their work now, and the tips and tricks to make it work--no matter your role. If you're debating whether or not this industry is right for you, then this is the episode for you!    

More MetroStar:  

+ Website: https://mss.fyi/3zTL5iU  

+ Instagram: https://mss.fyi/3JsyDd7

+ Twitter: https://mss.fyi/3zp1E57  

+ LinkedIn: https://mss.fyi/3OWwGH0

Amir Zonozi, President, and Nick Cronin, Chief Digital Officer of Zoomph, share insights into their media measurement company for sports and Esports brands. The company aims to help their clients understand the value they create online through their brand partners, and they dive deep into audience insights and how consumers engage with brands online. Amir and Nick discuss the changing landscape of collecting online data, how (and when) to reshape your products and services, and the power and importance of hiring women in sports. 

Learn more about Zoomph: https://zoomph.com/#

More MetroStar: 

+ Website: https://mss.fyi/3pZfNkL

+ Instagram: https://mss.fyi/3yWQyVP

+ Twitter: https://mss.fyi/3bXnDb5

+ LinkedIn: https://mss.fyi/3IyeWjH

Bree recently graduated from the University of Maryland and transitioned from a UX Intern to a Visual Designer at MetroStar. She shares her tips for having a successful career transition, the process of finding a mentor, and her thoughts on imposter syndrome. The trio discusses Bree's focus on Diversity-Focused Design and her research and advice on being an inclusive designer across industries. 

More MetroStar:  

+ Bree's Blog: https://mss.fyi/39ZDBRr 

+ Website: https://mss.fyi/3I6C8FB 

+ Instagram: https://mss.fyi/3y8ibKa

+ Twitter: https://mss.fyi/3I3rzTF

+ LinkedIn: https://mss.fyi/3bAB4h7

Generalist, Specialist, or Explorer? What do these terms mean and how do they help you identify what type of worker you are in your industry and beyond.  

MetroStar's Director of Digital Strategy, Jason Stoner, sat down with Liz and Marie to discuss his career path and why he likes to call himself an Explorer in the workforce. This means he doesn't focus on being specialized in one area but has learned how to create a space where he is constantly learning and taking action with his new education. He discusses why you don't have to be scared to be a Jack of all trades, master of none--it can be a good thing! Listen for more.   

More MetroStar:   

+ Website: https://mss.fyi/3OkaRl8 

+ Instagram: https://mss.fyi/3QiRD13 

+ Twitter: https://mss.fyi/3NX4vYT 

+ LinkedIn:  https://mss.fyi/3OkWdd

Traci Walker, the Digital Services Coalition's (DSC) Executive Director, joined Liz and Marie once more to discuss the changing landscape of UX design in government and how it is shaping the future of work. The trio chats about accessibility, the difference between User Experience (UX) and Customer Experience (CX), designing from the procurement side, and more. 

Tune in to hear Traci's twenty-plus years of experience and knowledge in transforming design for the government. 

Helpful Links:

+DSC website: digitalservicescoalition.org

+Connect w/ Traci: www.linkedin.com/in/traci-walker78/

Check out more MetroStar:

+Website: https://mss.fyi/3zf6d3k 

+Twitter: https://mss.fyi/3m6GLp3

+LinkedIn: https://mss.fyi/3x8O9Xn

+ Instagram: https://mss.fyi/3Q5zWBY

The Executive Director at the Digital Services Coalition (DSC), Traci Walker, sat down with Liz and Marie to discuss the nonprofit's mission and why agencies, contractors, and companies should be paying attention. The DSC is dedicated to helping the government build successful digital services through good usability, reliable technology, and accessibility for all. As an experienced former government employee, Traci knows how to build sustainable digital, design, and tech communities within the federal sector.  

Helpful Links: 

+ DSC website: digitalservicescoalition.org 

+  DSC 2022-2025 Strategic Plan: digitalservicescoalition.org/DSCStrategicPlan.pdf 

+ Connect w/ Traci: www.linkedin.com/in/traci-walker78/  

Check out more MetroStar: 

+ Website: https://mss.fyi/3ljL7su

+ Twitter: https://mss.fyi/3s6IIW1

+ LinkedIn: https://mss.fyi/3vZcUDp

+ Instagram: https://mss.fyi/3F8Rg3O

Welcome to season two of Mock IT! To kick off the season, MetroStar's CEO and Co-Founder Ali Reza Manouchehri joined our hosts to discuss transforming a digital solutions company from a George Mason University dorm room to a tech company with 330 (and growing) employees. This episode celebrates MetroStar's 23rd anniversary, dives into the background of the company, shares insights into the future of tech in government, and how to succeed as an entrepreneur. 

Follow MetroStar: 

+Website: https://mss.fyi/380eTzp

+Instagram: https://mss.fyi/3F8Rg3O

+LinkedIn: https://mss.fyi/3vZcUDp

+Twitter: https://mss.fyi/3s6IIW1

UX Architect Logan House shares with Liz and Marie his tips on how to successfully handle conducting remote UX research. At the start of the pandemic, many UX architects found themselves at a standstill on how to navigate user research, especially with federal clients. In this episode, Liz, Marie, and Logan offer the tips and tricks they learned in the past two years and offer the tools they've used to garner successful results for their clients. 

Follow MetroStar:

+Website: https://mss.fyi/3sTjElT 

+Instagram: https://mss.fyi/3GK7qjA 

+Twitter: https://mss.fyi/3dSUVGd 

Hosts Liz and Marie speak with Software Developer Tiffanie Johnson on exposing more youth and women to the world of tech. Tiffanie shares her personal career journey, why she loves Google, and the importance of STEM programs like Code: Girl. 

Follow MetroStar:

+Website: https://mss.fyi/3sTjElT 

+Instagram: https://mss.fyi/3GK7qjA 

+Twitter: https://mss.fyi/3dSUVGd 

Elisha Hardy is a Principal UX Architect at MetroStar tackling environment-first design to lessen the burdens of the climate crisis. Elisha gives the rundown on the latest document "Pathways to Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050" the United States Government released in late 2021 and shares with Liz and Marie the steps fellow designers can follow to understand and transform their work to be more environmentally friendly.

Read more about Elisha: https://mss.fyi/3HiIz6D

Links Elisha Mentions:

U.S. Long Term Strategy Document: www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/US-Long-Term-Strategy.pdf

Behavior Change Technique: behavior.rare.org/behavioral-science-landing/

Climate Justice Frameworks: climatejusticealliance.org

Terra.do Course: www.terra.do/becoming-a-climate-designer/

Follow MetroStar:

+Website: https://mss.fyi/3pZfNkL 

+Instagram: https://mss.fyi/3GK7qjA 

+Twitter: https://mss.fyi/3dSUVGd 

+LinkedIn: https://mss.fyi/3DSJ9Gs