From aspiring designer to Head of Product Design and now a thriving independent consultant, my journey in the world of UX/UI has been anything but conventional. Along the way, I’ve collaborated with groundbreaking companies like 710 Labs, Full Harvest, and Scale AI, each experience adding a unique brushstroke to my professional canvas. But here’s the thing: my path wasn’t a straight line. It was a winding road filled with challenges, pivots, and invaluable lessons.
Now, I’m pulling back the curtain to share the strategies that not only helped me survive but truly thrive in this competitive field. These aren’t your typical career tips — they’re the unconventional tactics that made all the difference. And the best part? I’m not just going to tell you what worked for me. I’m giving you concrete, actionable steps to implement these strategies in your own journey.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your UX/UI career, these ten insights (plus their accompanying action items) are your roadmap to success. Ready to shake things up and chart your own course in the world of design? Let’s dive in.
1. Embrace Career Accelerators
Breaking into UX/UI design doesn’t always require a traditional degree. I joined Tradecraft, a tech career accelerator program, which provided me with real-world client experience and fundamental skills. These programs can fast-track your learning and help you build a portfolio quickly.
Action item: Research and apply to UX/UI design bootcamps or accelerator programs. Look for ones that offer real client projects and job placement assistance.
2. Leverage Your Unique Background
My business school education and experience in design research for nonprofits gave me a unique perspective. Don’t discard your past experiences — they can be your superpower in UX/UI design. My background in human-centered design became my secret weapon.
Action item: Identify transferable skills from your previous experiences. Create a “skills bridge” document that maps how these skills apply to UX/UI design.
3. Be Open to Feedback (Even When It Hurts)
One of my biggest challenges was accepting feedback on my portfolio and interview skills. My initial confidence (or arrogance) held me back. Remember, there’s always room for improvement. Embrace constructive criticism to grow faster.
Action item: Seek feedback from at least three experienced designers on your portfolio. Implement their suggestions and track the improvements.
4. Align Your Values with Your Career
I stood out in the job market by heavily leaning into my personal values and design philosophies. This approach not only helped me land jobs but also led me to more fulfilling roles, like working in food tech and climate-related projects.
Action item: Write a personal mission statement that reflects your values. Use this to guide your job search and tailor your applications to companies that align with your mission.
5. Develop a Holistic Skill Set
Success in UX/UI design isn’t just about creating pretty interfaces. Focus on developing skills in product thinking, product management, and systems thinking. Understanding operations and how to impact the bottom line is crucial.
Action item: Create a skills development plan. Include courses or projects that will help you improve in areas like product management and business operations.
6. Master the Art of Storytelling
Learn how to turn user research into solutions and, more importantly, how to tell that story. Being able to communicate your design decisions and their impact is as important as the design work itself.
Action item: Practice presenting your design process for each project in your portfolio. Record yourself and refine your presentation skills.
7. Invest in Career Coaching
Getting a career coach was a game-changer for me. Look for coaches who have achieved the outcomes you desire. They can provide accountability, offer fresh perspectives, and help you improve your portfolio and interview skills.
Action item: Research and reach out to at least three potential career coaches. Schedule initial consultations to find the right fit for your goals.
8. Network Strategically
After almost 100 interviews without an offer, I finally landed a job by leaning on my network. Build relationships in the industry before you need them, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when job hunting.
Action item: Attend at least one UX/UI design meetup or conference per month. Set a goal to make three new meaningful connections at each event.
9. Look Beyond the Visual
A common misconception is that you need to be a strong visual artist to succeed in UX/UI design. While visual skills are valuable, they’re not always necessary. Focus on problem-solving and user-centric design principles.
Action item: For your next project, focus on the user research and problem-solving aspects. Document your process thoroughly to showcase these skills in your portfolio.
10. Align Your Purpose with the Company’s Mission
When breaking into civic tech, I focused on identifying which of my values aligned with the organization’s mission. This approach helped me stand out in interviews and land roles that were truly fulfilling.
Action item: Research their mission and values before applying to a company. Prepare specific examples of how your work aligns with their goals to discuss in interviews.
Conclusion
Remember, the path to becoming a successful UX/UI designer isn’t always linear. It took me nine months and numerous interviews to land my first full-time UX design job. Persistence, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt are key to success in this field.
As you embark on your own UX/UI design journey, keep in mind that your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable assets. Embrace them, continue to grow your skills, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
But you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. As someone who’s been through the struggles and triumphs of building a UX/UI design career, I’m passionate about helping others achieve their goals in this field. If you’re ready to accelerate your growth, avoid common pitfalls, and get personalized guidance to land your dream job in UX/UI design, I’m here to help.
Ready to Take Your UX/UI Design Career to the Next Level?
I offer one-on-one career coaching tailored to your unique background and aspirations. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up in your current role, I can provide:
- Personalized portfolio reviews and improvement strategies
- Interview preparation and mock interviews
- Guidance on networking and personal branding in the UX/UI space
- Insights on the latest industry trends and in-demand skills
- Support in aligning your career with your personal values and goals
Don’t leave your UX/UI design career to chance. Invest in yourself and get the support you need to succeed.
🔗 Take the Next Step in Your UX/UI Design Career 🚀
Click the link above to view my MentorCruise profile and book a session. Let’s work together to turn your UX/UI design aspirations into reality.