Changing careers is a big step, and one question you might have is how hard it will be to get a job. The job outlook for UX design is good, but you'll need to prepare before entering the job market. You will need training and a great-looking portfolio to demonstrate your design skills, and you must also make some connections in the design community.
What Do UX Designers Do?
User experience (UX) Designers study how users solve problems and then create products that meet the needs of the users, as well the business or client the Designer is working for. Designers use personas, wireframes, and prototypes to create and test products, lead workshops, and presentations, and perform usability tests. Designers are always looking to create the best user experience possible.
Essential Skills for UX Designers
If you want to get a job as a UX Designer, you will need some specific skills. Project management, group facilitation, writing ability, and public speaking are useful for running a design project. Visual design and content strategy help create the design, and data analysis and data visualization are helpful for research.
Empathy, the ability to put yourself in the user's position, is central to a career in UX Design. Good communication skills, the ability to listen effectively, working in a collaborative setting, and problem-solving are all critical as well. Technical expertise to use digital design tools and an understanding of business concepts will put you in an excellent position to get a UX design job.
How to Get a Job As a UX Designer
The first step to getting a job as a UX Designer is to get some training. After that, put together a portfolio of your work to show to employers. Once you have a portfolio, connect with other designers and professional organizations. Getting an internship and doing volunteer work can also help you get a job as a UX Designer.
Sign up for a Bootcamps or Certificate Program
UX design bootcamps and certificate programs are intensive classes held over a few days to several months in which participants learn the principles of design and how to use digital design tools. You don't need to have any prior experience to take the courses. Bootcamps and certificate programs provide hands-on experience to help you get a job after the program is over. You can choose classes that meet in-person or online to learn XD, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Some people prefer to attend brick-and-mortar sessions when learning new information, but that isn't always available. Live online classes have a similar set-up with a real-time, remote instructor who can answer questions and take control of your monitor—with permission—to show you how to do things. Training is part or full-time and available weekdays, weeknights, or weekends.
Another plus of training is leaving the class with a professional-quality portfolio that you can show to prospective employers. Some programs also provide a mentor to help students put together a portfolio and prepare for the job search.
Build a Strong Portfolio
Getting hired as a UX Designer depends upon the quality of your work and portfolio. Certificates are great, but having a strong portfolio will take you farther than formal education. Check out other designers' portfolios on Dribbble and follow your favorites on Instagram. Pay attention to how others lay out their portfolios and present their work.
Your portfolio should reflect your personality and your philosophy as a Designer. Employers are more interested in seeing your process than the final result. Choose three to five case studies that show your best work and demonstrate your range as a Designer. Use the best quality images you have, especially examples of high-fidelity wireframes and prototypes.
If you don't have much to put in a portfolio, try some online design exercises or volunteer projects. You can also attend some weekend hackathons to gain design experience and build your portfolio.
Check with Your Current Company
Most UX Designers come from varied backgrounds outside of the field. Some of the most common switches are from graphic design, interior design, architecture, web development, marketing, and psychology. See if there is some way to shift to a job as a UX Designer within your present company. Many employers are looking for curious and engaged people to fill UX design jobs. Include other information about interests and experience when you apply for jobs, even if it is not directly related to design.
Start Freelancing on the Side
As you learn more about UX design, you can begin to look into freelance design jobs. Once you have a resume and portfolio, you can start answering ads on Craigslist, UpWork, or Fiverr. Sign up on employment sites like Indeed.com and Glassdoor.com, and you can get job notices daily in your email.
Join a Professional Organization
It can be helpful to join professional groups because of the opportunities for networking. One of the professional organizations that UX Designers can belong to is the Interaction Design Foundation on LinkedIn. The User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA) is another useful group. Professional organizations often hold conferences and job fairs, a good way to connect with people who may be hiring designers. Membership in professional organizations can also help you find internships. You can also access these opportunities through a school or training program.
Conclusion
It's easy to take UX design classes and start a new career. Choose between in-person sessions in NYC at Noble's location or sign up for live online UX design courses and attend from anywhere. Find UX bootcamps in your area and get started in a new direction today.