One of VMware’s benefits is the Take 3 program.  For those who have been with VMware for at least five years, they can take 3 months off to do something completely different from their usual job.  One option is to work on a different project or try out a different discipline.  Another option is to work with the VMware Foundation and spend 3 months working for a charitable organization.

Deanna McCusker is a UX designer on my team who has been with VMware for 9 years.  She’s on her Take 3 project now, and she’s taking the latter option.  She is working for the Community for Open Source Microfinance on an application called Mifos.  She’s also keeping a blog about her experience, and you can follow along here.

I’ve already informed Deanna that she’s signed up to give a UX tech talk when she’s completed this!