
PODCAST: Research experience, extracurriculars and UX
When Michael Cao (BSc '15, MSc '18) entered À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ's Kinesiology program, no one could have known it would give him an edge as a user experience researcher
When Michael Cao (BSc '15, MSc '18) entered À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ's Kinesiology program, no one could have known it would give him an edge as a user experience researcher
By Megan Vander Woude Office of AdvancementMichael Cao came to À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ's Kinesiology program thinking that he might become a doctor or physiotherapist. At that point, he had no idea that his bachelor and master's degrees would give him an edge as a UX professional, or lead him to work at TheScore.
Today, Michael is a UX researcher and leader, whose work plays a vital role in how I -- and thousands of other fans -- get the latest news about our favourite teams and players. Michael joins the podcast to talk about that role, how he got here, and how his Kin background makes him better at his job.
(1:20) Why do a master's in kinesiology?
(6:45) "Go with the flow" mentality
(8:40) Scientific rigor vs. corporate decision-making
(10:45) What wasn't applicable to his UX career?
(12:10) What was applicable to his UX career?
(17:35) Michael explains his work on TheScore apps
(22:10) Michael shares some projects his team is working on
(24:35) Extracurricular activities prepared Michael to lead a team
(30:35) Soft skills should be used with intention
: Download the sports media app
Kinesiology at À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ (BSc): Learn more about the undergraduate program
Kinesiology at À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ (MSc): Learn more about the graduate programÌý
: Learn more about Orientation week and how to get involved with the À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Undergraduate Student AssociationÌý
: Explore ways to get involved as a À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ grad student
Read more
Tracelyn Cornelius (MEB ’21, PhD in progress) researches the intersection and importance of sustainable development and equity, diversity and inclusionÌý
Read more
Lisa Bentley (BMath '92) explains how she became a professional triathlete, and how a genetic lung disease gave her purpose
Read more
Chris Wilson (BSc '21) walks us through his process from biochemistry student to cultural designer, including what he had to let go
The University of À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.