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Is there really hope for Early-Career UX Designers?
Getting a first job as a UX Designer is mentally draining. Hopping from linkedIn to slack communities to job boards to support groups is really exhausting. Coincidentally I need a job to gain experience.
Dear Hiring Manager,
I hope I don't sound defeated but at this point I'm open to remote adjacent/pretty basic roles just to keep my mind going. I have a background in Human Resources and have performed admin duties as well.
Thank you. :)
Stacee BrackensI'm people conscious!
39
09/10/21 at 1:38AM UTC
Good evening Ifeoma, I reached out to you this am directly, however, and forgot to share e just in case someone else had some of the same challenges. I encourage you to continue as suggested in all the earlier comments! I may add to take this one step further and reach out here or on LI to those who have UX or Graphic Design exp in your area of interest! Send a note and ask them what they did to break into the industry. Companies are not going to pay me to find a Jr or entry-level UX designer however, they will be interested if your portfolio has a similarity of what they are doing. Those freebies you give away to your friends and fam can be useful. I am currently working with a young person who is looking to break into this market as well. So...you are not alone (MJ, said that...LOL). You got this!!!
Anonymous
09/09/21 at 5:31PM UTC
You can do it. Keep going!
Aim to find a UX design position, but....
At the same time you are applying for UX design positions, apply to graphic design positions, UI or web design.
A lot of companies who are looking for UX designers don't really understand what a UX designer is.
They think you just design apps and make things look "cute".
So, most companies are looking for "designers" that can do UX (if that makes any sense)
But that's how it goes. A lot of companies want designers to do, web, print, branding, layout, UX,UI, animation etc....
They want designers to do it all, which sucks.
Adjust your resume/portfolio to show Graphic Design as your base, and show your expertise in UX, but it shouldn't be the only thing.
Unless you are working for Google or some cool startup, UX is just a plus accessory to most hiring companies, why? because they don't understand it. They just see an app or mobile site.
Think design.
You can do it!
Anonymous
09/09/21 at 1:43PM UTC
Ugh!! I know how difficult it can be to find your first big break into UX but do not give up. It is totally possible!! With more and more companies investing in UX, you'd be surprised how many UX adjacent roles you could look into. As a fellow UXer in the field, I would definitely lean into the design community as much as possible. Go to networking event, UX design slams and maybe explore other realms of UX too. I find marketing yourself as UX generalist helps because it shows you have knack for a little bit of everything (from UX research to UX Service Design to UX writing to UX strategy). Also, keep in mind that UX roles can also come in different job titles/business functions. When I was looking for role in UX, I had no idea that it would lead me to a discipline of work that coincides with my interest in UX & customer experience. Keeping your portfolio crisp is essential too! Just keep putting yourself out there and your break will happen soon. I know it!! Good luck to you!!
Megan Mannino
42
09/09/21 at 1:23PM UTC
Have you considered Human Factors Science or Engineering? There are a number of overlapping aspects that may be appealing to you.
Ifeoma Eme
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09/10/21 at 9:43PM UTC
I will look it up. Thank you.
Rene LetendreBuilding bridges to get across the finish line!
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09/09/21 at 12:52PM UTC
Anecdotally: yeah, I think you have a really good chance to break into UX Design. Breaking into anything is draining, though. I just want to offer you some encouragement, let you know you are not alone, and cheer you on as you pursue meaningful work that you are passionate about!
Good luck!
