We sat down with Senior UX Researcher Alexandra Folks this month to talk about her Upside experience, her career trajectory, and more.

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Q: What brought you to Upside?

Alexandra: When I was evaluating my next career move, I focused on requirements that balanced professional ambition with personal values. 

I sought a company in a clear growth phase – not just in terms of revenue or headcount, but in its vision and impact. Seeing Upside's research team triple from 2 to 6 members just before I joined was a compelling signal of their commitment to innovation and creating meaningful opportunities.

Personal growth was non-negotiable. At Upside, I could clearly envision my evolution as a researcher – from diving into specialized areas to leading larger initiatives and exploring new research frontiers. While the exact path wasn't set in stone, the potential was evident.

And most importantly, I needed an organization that contributed positively to society. This wasn't just about avoiding harm; it was about actively making the world better. Upside's mission to ease the burden of everyday purchases for average Americans perfectly aligns with this value. This harmony between corporate mission and personal values is essential for me to feel truly invested in my work.

Looking back, these requirements weren't just a checklist – they were a framework for finding a role where I could thrive while contributing to something larger than myself. Upside has proven to be exactly that kind of environment.

Q: How has your role evolved since joining Upside?

Alexandra: I first joined Upside as a UX Researcher and leveraged my expertise on tactical initiatives like our onboarding and growth features, as well as our discovery experience. 

Earlier this year, along with a promotion to Senior UX Researcher, I became the lead researcher on the Referral/Martech and Top of Funnel Pods, allowing me to impact change more deeply across the product. Also as of recently, my fellow researcher Bill Miller and I have worked to improve our research operations, scale internal testing, and flex the research methods we use to get insights. 

We’ve also impacted change within the product development lifecycle by introducing a more user-first approach to our roadmapping, design iteration, and continual testing. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting in your field of work?

Alexandra: To those starting out in UX Research, I offer this advice: be a selective sponge with the vast information available to you. There's an overwhelming array of voices out there – LinkedIn 'influencers,' expensive bootcamps, UXR conference speakers, and academic papers – often offering conflicting or paralyzing guidance about our industry.

Earlier in my career, I treated every piece of advice as gospel, regardless of its source. I was desperate for direction, accepting guidance without questioning the credibility behind it. Through trial and error, particularly after facing frustration with conflicting advice about portfolios, research methods, and stakeholder management, I learned a valuable lesson: filter everything through your own experiences and judgment.

This “selective sponge” approach has increased my self-efficacy and unburdened me (sorta) from the shackles of imposter syndrome.

Q: Which employee benefits at Upside resonate the most with you, and why? 

Alexandra: Since I joined Upside over two years ago, our benefits have only gotten better, and I have slowly learned how to get the most out of the offerings. To me, the most useful benefit is ClassPass. I love trying new workouts and thankfully have some great workout studios near me!

I also super appreciate Carrot Fertility as a benefit. It feels good knowing my company is not only committed to our health through insurance benefits, but also through reproductive care, family planning, and gender-affirming care. 

Q: Now, to close with something fun… Do you follow any sports teams? 

Alexandra: I've recently discovered a sudden, inexplicable passion for football – specifically the Kansas City Chiefs. And no, it certainly has nothing to do with a certain Grammy-winning spectator in the VIP suite. It’s pure coincidence that my newfound interest emerged right as my favorite pop star started cheering from the stands post-breakup. 

The fact that I can quote Travis Kelce's stats while still struggling to explain what a 'down' is? Just part of my completely organic journey into becoming a football enthusiast. 

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