Is UX the Right Career Path for Me?
How I Found My Path in UX Design—and How You Can Too
Introduction
So, you’ve heard about UX design. Maybe it was in a conversation with a friend, a job posting on LinkedIn, or somewhere online. Whatever brought you here, one thing is clear—you’re curious about it and wondering if UX could be the right fit for your next career move.
User Experience (UX) design is more than just a trend in tech or emerging jobs; it’s a field at the intersection of creativity, problem-solving, and understanding human behavior. Companies worldwide have realized the value of design in their products and services, and the demand for UX designers has exploded in recent years.
Coming from an IT tech background, I took a less-than-linear journey to where I am now—a full-time product designer. If you're curious about UX or contemplating a career change, I hope this article provides guidance to help you make that leap in your life. To determine if a career in UX design is suitable for you, it is important to understand what UX design involves and to explore other aspects of interface and product design.
What Exactly is UX Design?
At its core, UX design focuses on how users interact with a product, service, or system. The goal? To create intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable experiences. Whether it’s designing an app interface, improving a website’s usability, or rethinking how a physical product feels in a user’s hands, UX design is all about putting the user at the center.
Some of the most successful companies today owe their growth to prioritizing UX. Take Duolingo, for example—their app’s playful design and gamified learning experience have made language learning accessible and fun for millions. Similarly, Procter & Gamble (P&G) transformed under A.G. Lafley’s leadership because of P&G’s focus on product innovation and design thinking. Tech giants like Apple and Google are other great examples of how putting the user first can lead to category-defining products and enduring success.
These companies prove that investing in UX doesn’t just delight users—it drives loyalty, innovation, and growth. That’s the power of great design.
Is UX Design a Good Fit for You?
Here are a few signs that UX design might be the right career path for you:
You’re a Problem-Solver at Heart
My tech background gave me a natural inclination for solving problems. When I started my Designlab BootCamp, I saw that UX design isn’t just about solving any problem—it’s about solving the right problems for your users.You’re Curious About People
UX designers spend a lot of time researching and testing ideas with real users. I’ve always been fascinated by how people interact with technology, and this curiosity became a driving force as I transitioned into design.You Appreciate Good Design
Ever used an app or website that just works seamlessly? That’s the magic of good UX design. When I started noticing these experiences—and critiquing bad ones—I realized I was already thinking like a UX designer.You Thrive on Collaboration
During my first product designer role, I quickly learned that UX is a team sport. From working with developers to brainstorming with product managers, collaboration is the key to success in this field.You’re Open to Lifelong Learning
UX design is constantly evolving. My boot camp taught me the basics, but every project since then has introduced me to new tools, methods, and challenges. If you love learning and adapting, you’ll fit right in.
UX design resonated with me because it allows me to build with purpose, crafting solutions that have a positive impact. By putting the user first, UX empowers designers to create products that aren’t just functional but also meaningful.
How to Get Started in UX
If you’re interested in UX design, the next step is to explore and experiment. Here are some actions you can take to get started. You can do them in any order; start and choose which ones work best for you.
Learn the Basics: Take a free online course. Google offers a free UX Design course through Coursera. This is a great first step to get an idea if your UX design is a good fit for you. This is how I first decided to pursue UX instead of a development track.
Build a Portfolio: Start small—redesign a favorite app, create wireframes, or participate in a UX challenge. My portfolio began with projects from BootCamp and personal experiments.
Gain Hands-On Experience: Volunteer for non-profits, join hackathons or take internships to build real-world experience. This was invaluable for me when transitioning to my first role.
Enroll in a BootCamp: Bootcamps are an excellent way to accelerate your journey toward securing your first job. Upon graduation, you will have a strong portfolio and a professional network. Additionally, some boot camps provide post-graduation job support to help you find your first position. Designlab is an excellent course that helps you build a portfolio with strong case studies and provides networking support, mentorship, and career assistance after graduation. Other great boot camps are Springboards UI/UX Design Bootcamp and Career Foundry UX Design course. There are a lot of boot camps out there, each with its pros and cons. Choose one that aligns with your needs. You can use this comparison report done by Course Report to help you in your decision. I ultimately chose DesignLab because of its challenging coursework and the mentorship offered during the course and after graduation.
Network and Seek Mentors: Connect with UX professionals through LinkedIn or local meetups. Many designers are happy to share advice and guide newcomers—I was fortunate to learn from some generous mentors early on.
Final Thoughts
UX design is a dynamic and fulfilling career path that’s perfect for creative problem-solvers who care about making a difference in people’s lives. If you’re curious about blending empathy, design, and strategy into one role, UX design might just be the career for you.
Ready to take the first step? Dive into learning, start exploring, and see where this exciting field can take you. If you have any additional questions about this please feel free to email me anytime!