(Dominic on the left with colleagues)
I started at Mercator Digital back in the summer of 2021. I’ve now hit my 5 year anniversary. Before then, I’d never stayed anywhere this long. That’s for various reasons; from project timelines, moving to a different part of the country, to growing a family. And yet, I’ve kept going at Mercator for 5 years. When I started, Mercator’s User-Centred Design (UCD) arm was small (I was the third person to join UCD!) and I’ve seen it grow. I’ve also seen the business develop and mature, from how we approach clients and partners, to adopting new technologies and practices.
So, what have I learnt?
1. Made to feel welcome
I started during the Covid pandemic, so I joined the company completely remotely. There were no office meetings or in-person introductions, but everything I needed arrived in time for my first day, including a few thoughtful goodies. Despite the usual technical challenges of getting set up and accessing software I needed, Mercator was on hand to help and made the transition as smooth as possible.
2. Building relationships with clients
Some aspects of how Mercator operates were new to me, but I was familiar with public sector work – so joining client projects with government departments was a nice return for me.
Over the past 5 years, I’ve worked on a range of projects, each with its own challenges and learning opportunities. The range of subjects within the client’s projects have also been a constant source of interest, from new areas to those that affect us all.
3. Part of the agency, not just the client
Working across Mercator and its projects was a bit of a learning curve for me. Depending on the project, I may work directly with a partner, end client or a Subject Matter Expert, often bringing together different perspectives and priorities. Mercator supported me and trusted me to deliver, and I have been lucky enough to work with people who are equally helpful and supportive.
What’s also great about Mercator is the network of friends and colleagues I’ve built up over the years. Even when we don’t directly work together, we’re able to offer advice, share ideas and help each other out. We regularly catch up and show each other what we’re working on, looking for ways we can improve our work and processes. Our excellent Community Team also brings together remote workers by organising a mix of fun social activities, both in person and online.
4. Growth and Evolution
It’s been exciting to watch the company grow. I started as Mercator’s third member of their UCD Department, which has now grown to over 100 people. Along the way, we’ve also gained more developers, testers and commercial staff.
This growth has also brought other changes too, including how we come together as teams. Change is good and shows that we aren’t just getting bigger, we’re growing our technical skills and expanding our capabilities.
5. Be yourself
I think what Mercator ultimately gets right is you’re able to be yourself and feel part of the company. Even as we grow, ideas and opinions are respected. I feel just as comfortable talking to a newer, junior member of the team as to the CEO. Everyone’s approachable, willing to listen and ready to support you when opportunities appear.
If I have a problem, I know who I can speak to and that they’ll listen. It’s comforting to know that the company wants what’s best for me as well as what works for them. In an increasingly unpredictable industry, it’s an extra string in the safety net.
* * *
So these are a few things I’ve learnt during my time at Mercator Digital. From different client projects to new members of the team, a lot has changed over the past 5 years. But at its core, the same fundamentals are present: everyone is lovely, I enjoy my work and it’s work that makes a difference.
Even with my experience as a content designer — for these 5 years and before that — I’m still learning and trying new things.
