Why I want to work at TikTok
Hi, I’m Eunji!
I’m currently a Product Designer at Skalle it and I just finished my Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction Design from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 2024. I want to share why I’m so excited about the opportunity to work at TikTok and how I got into design!
How I Got Into Digital Identity and Social Media
My fascination with how we present ourselves online started back when I was studying photography. I’ve always been intrigued by how we use visuals to express our personalities. As I got deeper into photography, I started capturing people, trying to understand how they communicate their identities through photos. Around the same time, Tinder started taking off. What really caught my attention was how people could tell so much about themselves with just a few photos and a short bio. It got me thinking about how we curate ourselves online. This led me to a personal project where I photographed people I met on Tinder and explored how we use digital platforms to shape our identities. That project ended up earning me a fellowship for grad school, and even led to exhibitions.
Social Media Marketing: Understanding Users and Data
Fast forward to my summers in New York City, working as a photo intern with some major fashion brands. It was an eye-opening experience because I got to work right alongside digital marketers. I started to see firsthand how the magic of consumer engagement worked—not just through visuals, but through data. I began understanding how brands use data to drive marketing strategies and boost engagement. After I worked with brands like Louis Vuitton, Moët, and Bottega Veneta on social media campaigns. It was so rewarding to see how small shifts in strategy could really make a difference in how users connected with the brands.
The Shift From Marketing to Designing Products
While I enjoyed marketing, I realized I wanted to be more involved in shaping the actual product experience. I didn’t just want to focus on how we market something; I wanted to help design the products that people interact with. That’s when I decided to dive into Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) at Illinois Institute of Technology. I’ve learned a ton about UX methodologies, design strategies, and user research—all of which have given me a solid foundation in designing meaningful and intuitive user experiences.
Why TikTok?
My first real interaction with the platform wasn’t as a user but through a marketing lens. I had the chance to work with TikTok’s sales team, who introduced us to their ad products. But what really drew me in wasn’t just the advertising side of things—it was the platform itself. Unlike other social media, where users mainly consume content passively, TikTok actually challenges people to create and participate. Whether it's through dance, challenges, or just creative expression, TikTok gives users the opportunity to showcase themselves in ways that feel fresh and spontaneous. It felt different. I realized that TikTok isn't just about connecting people you already know; it’s about creating new relationships, sharing ideas, and discovering new perspectives. Now, I’m one of those people who can’t stop saying, “I saw this on TikTok!”—whether it’s the latest trend, a fun fact, or a new product I want to try.
Why I’m a Good Fit for TikTok
My deep interest in social media and how it fosters human connection is one of the main reasons I’m so excited about TikTok. I’ve spent a lot of time studying how we present ourselves online and understanding how social media can be a tool for both self-expression and connection. I also spent time working on social media strategies, where I gained a solid understanding of how data shapes user behavior and engagement. TikTok’s approach resonates with me because it combines creativity, community, and new connections in such a unique way. With my background in design, user research, and my passion for creativity, I could really contribute to TikTok’s mission of inspiring and empowering its users to express themselves and connect with others.