5 Ways You Can Break Into UX Industry As A Fresher

At ImaginXP we often get asked "How do I enter the UX Industry without any formal training?"

Is it possible to get hired as a designer without holding a degree in design? We say Yes! Absolutely Yes! 

All you need is the right approach, mind-set and guidance towards developing the skills that you need to become a practicing UX professional.

We are going to tell you 5 quick steps that you can follow to start you off on the right path.

Step 1: Do your research:

User Experience is a vast and at times ambiguous term. Before you take the decision of starting to apply for jobs or look for training options spend some time reading about the UX design industry. 

Conducting Research Is Key Element of UX Design Career

Thanks to the emergence and popularity of mobile devices user experience has become a mainstream design discipline and there is a plethora of content available online.

Read, watch and listen to everything you can get your hands on so that you familiarize yourself with user experience as a discipline and terminology associated with this field. 

Following are a few online resources to start you off:

1. Smashingmagazine - Interesting, educative & easy articles on everything related to design

2. Youtube.com - You will find great videos on UX.

3. Boxesandarrows- Informative blog on UX design

You may also consider reading any of the following books:

·         The Elements of User Experience by Jesse James Garrett

·         Killer UX Design by Jodie Moule

·         A Project Guide To UX Design by Russ Unger and Carolyn Chandler

·         The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

·         Mind Hacks: Tips & Tools for Using Your Brain by Tom Stafford & Matt Webb

·         Undercover User Experience Design by Cennydd Bowles & James Box

·         UI Is Communication: How to Design Intuitive, User Centered Interfaces by Focusing on Effective Communication by Everett N. McKay

  

Quick Tip: Research is a key part of a UX designer's profile. Inculcate this habit today to be successful tomorrow.

Step 2: Get connected to the design community:

If you want to enter the industry it is always a good idea to get connected to the design community. 

Networking in an essential part of career growth

Designers are a friendly and not to forget fun bunch of people. Reach out to any designers that you may know through friends, family and colleagues or on platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook. 

In addition there are various UX design groups and forums which provide a great opportunity to meet and interact with the larger design community as a whole. And if you are a real go-getter find the next design seminar or meet-up happening in your city and go attend one.

We assure you it will be an experience worth your time. For a UX industry professional no two days are the same and he needs to be able to deal with technical and non-technical issues. Networking helps in developing the non-technical(read human aspect) of UX industry. 

Step 3: Teach yourself some tools:

Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are the go-to tools for any designer. Although User Experience is not a tool driven design discipline you will always get extra 'brownie points' for being proficient in these tools. 

Learn tools essential for every UX designer

These software will help you define and show case your ideas to clients, colleagues and managers. However, don't look at this as a daunting task that will take you years to master. 

There are various free online tutorials especially by Adobe themselves that help not only experienced professionals but also newbies to master these tools, and as they say "Practice makes Perfect!                                                                                                         

Step 4: Do a short course:

If you don't have the time for a full time degree program you should look into doing short term certificate courses. The advantage of a short course is that you learn the processes, methodologies and techniques of practicing user experience design in the industry. 

Formal Training Will Give You Career Advantage Over Others

You get to learn from experts, meet & interact with peers and get a physical connect with the design fraternity.

At ImaginXP we have some fabulous courses for beginners looking at entering the UX industry.

 Step 5: Work as Intern:

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional looking to make a switch you have to understand that design is all about communicating your ideas, finding solutions and showcasing your work. 

Internship is the best way to start UX career

As a beginner the best thing you can do to land a paid job is to look for an internship with a good design or product company where you will give you the opportunity to work under experienced designers, learn from them and improve skills required to become a pro at UX designing.

This is not as difficult as it looks but yes it will help if you work towards building a portfolio before you apply. How can you do this? Research, read, watch, learn some tools and get to work!

  

So as we promised some quick pointers on getting into the Design Industry.