13 UX Design Career SECRETS I Wish I Knew

[@AlienaCai]

Part 2 is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2bTpJmcbauDg6csi=Xl2RUwiDo8ZF-1S7 Email list Trillion's Cafe: trillionscafe.substack.com/ Fast Track UX: fasttrackux.com These are 13 UI/UX and product design career secrets I wish I knew when I started out. They are also common career mistakes and misconceptions I often see my subscribers make. I hope this helps in your career. If you'd like to see part two, leave a comment and share which point resonates with you the most. Your comment can help others too!

[@adancingpotato4327]

I hope UX works out for all of us. If I’m able to get into the field I’ll be able to provide a better life for my kid than I had growing up. He’s my biggest motivation as a mom in IT.

[@AlienaCai]

All the best wishes to your career and life ✨

[@techscript9312]

Mam I decided to go in this field ..Can we connect somewhere so that we can help each other 😊

[@LittleDemon99835]

Im a mom as well that got into this field to provide a better life for my kid. I really hope you guys accomplish what you set out to achieve.

[@jareduxr]

UX is rough right now folks. It may improve, but don't bank on short term wins. 99% of hiring is for those with 4+ years of experience, often specific experience like 2+ years experience in B2B SaaS. They can get whatever they want because there is a huge pool of experienced workers that were laid off plus entry levels haven't stopped flooding in. People with years of experience, people with grad degrees are struggling to find work. Be real with yourself and if you are getting started, be ok with surviving and not thriving for a bit.

[@mounirelogbani]

This video contains a lot of golden tips for UX designers. Thank you for your honesty and hard work

[@AlienaCai]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching ✨

[@iamcrazi]

This is crazy amout of knowledge in one video

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you! This means a lot to me ☺️

[@Vitor-q5o]

The point about constraints was extremely insightful. As a newbie, I feel a constant struggle between following the “formulas” or thinking and designing in a more natural and realistic way. That point from your video helped to remind me that realistic is always best. Thank you!

[@AmeliaPrasad]

Love this, I agree with every point on here. The stress of not becoming a UX designer quickly is so rough and it leads to feeling behind, when you're just... on a normal path.

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you for sharing ✨

[@kiwimorado]

Thank you, Aliena! After MONTHS of searching, I also learned that Junior and Intern positions are almost nonexistent. Specially for folks like me, that are transitioning to UX.

[@AlienaCai]

You're so welcome! All the best with your carer. Keep going 💪

[@DipaliVassantrai]

Girl you nail it! There is so much sincerity with many digestible tips to take forward!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much!!

[@LaineIsNotReal]

Hearing about within constraints was great Would love to hear more about other constraints you face as a UX designer as I start to research a career change into UX :)

[@RixLim-vs8bh]

Currently I'm working on Google UX design course 6, this video tips really help me a lots! Looking forward to part 2! Thanks!

[@AlienaCai]

Glad it was helpful! Keep up the learning ✨

[@techwithnicole]

These are great tips !!!! Setup your Agency while you're unemployed and focus on B2B products!!!!

[@AlienaCai]

Glad you find it helpful 🥂

[@Justeen15]

Finally someone talked about the opportunities in B2B. Great to see this in the UX community.

[@buddhiraj7037]

Yes, I fully agree. Since I don't have years of experience, I often need to do a lot of research for my new client projects. Points 2 and 3 that you mentioned are something I follow every time. However, in the beginning, I must admit that nobody told me about these best practices. I used to focus more on making the website eye-catching rather than functional. It was only during my internship that I realized my approach to learning was not quite right. I am still learning, and it feels like a loop that never ends.

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for sharing! I feel you. I'm still learning too, let's both enjoy the process 🌱

[@buddhiraj7037]

@@AlienaCai Absolutely! Learning never stops, and that's the best part of the journey.

[@samuelisaac6271]

Not skipping corners resonates with me so well. Thank you so much

[@AlienaCai]

You're so welcome!

[@OanhLe-q3b]

#12 hit me in the feels. So important for all areas in life! Let's get part 2!

[@whosprishita]

Make a part 2🙌🏼 This so inspiring! This is everything I am thinking but unsure if I am going on rhe right path🙇🏻‍♀️ thankyou so much✌️🏻

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for letting me know! Sometimes it's just reassuring to hear from another person and know that you are on the right track ✨

[@alvespdaniel]

shiii you're so on point about the market and how we fit on it. so much product design wisdom in one video 🔮

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much!! Keep going 💪

[@JolynLEO]

This is a really valuable experience sharing! There are definitely some misconceptions that only beginners have, and you pinpointed these issues very accurately. I feel less anxious now, even though I wanted to learn UX in three months and jump into a job... but I still want to try or start my learning. Hearing your friend in the video say “没问题” was just so cute, hhhhhhhh

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for watching to the end 哈哈哈哈 😄

[@AdiChawla]

Love this! Highly resonating with the advice on learning how to pitch as a design lead. Would love a full video dedicated to that skill: how you learned through different successes and mistakes on how to improve the skill. ❤

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much for letting me know. I've noted your suggestion ✨

[@bint-e-anwer3650]

I started learning UX/UI design a few months ago, and your channel has been my biggest source of knowledge. This is my first time reaching out, but I just have to say - I’m a huge fan! You’ve absolutely nailed it! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you for commenting. This means a lot to me and all the best with your career 👑

[@talonxavier9675]

Hey please can you give me some guidance I just started last week day 8 now learning from ali channel what an amazing soul she is

[@adaezeemelike6445]

This video is really timely for me considering that I am about to make the biggest sacrifice for my Ux design career. Thank you!

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for letting me know. I wish you all the best with your UX design career!!

[@dvpzy]

I live in Chile and here there's a lot of opportunities in the area. Thanks for your videos.

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you for sharing! So glad to hear that there's a lot of opportunities in your area.

[@StrikeDemonX]

i joined GA and only got to have 2 UX design intern interviews for this 6 months time.The market is competitive man.

[@SandeepDixit-r7e]

I follow lot of good designers, and good design channels but your channel is MOST HONEST channel so far.

[@AlienaCai]

Wow, thank you!

[@ajeshkumar2631]

This video is 🤯 Best video till date on this channel.

[@AlienaCai]

Oh that means a lot 🥹 Thank you!

[@NethraSeema]

Thank you so much for your valuable content........we need part -2 for this content

[@AlienaCai]

thank you!

[@DeevMaybe]

Thank you so much for this video! Real and on point. The ending was hilarious thank you for that🤣

[@AlienaCai]

OMG finally someone noticing the ending!!! 🥹🤣🤣

[@UXtan]

Good points, agreed happy path should be applied to life too. I found inversion technique to be useful in this. Also the job market is difficult and need to find new ways to reinvent yourself. Thanks for the video Aliena, quality content

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for sharing! I really like the point about "Reinvent" yourself. I just realized I'm also doing that too 😄

[@emmanuelonuada]

This is my contribution to the comments to get it to 100. Let's have that part 2 Aliena 😅❤ Btw, very informative video as always.

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you!!

[@eternalincantation]

love this tips! best tips I've heard in a long time! pls do more

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you! Will do!

[@edidiong3456]

Thank you for this video I absolutely love it ❤❤❤ You reminded me of something, know the business strategy before designing. I will love a part 2 please 😊

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you 😊

[@Fadhlina_AbuBakar]

I saw your LinkedIn post and was curious why you didn't use the 'Open to Work' feature. After watching your video, I immediately removed it from my profile. LOL. Thanks for sharing this valuable information. I've applied to countless jobs without success, but I believe in the 'slow but steady' approach. I'm still working on improving my skills, but I'm determined to be the best version of myself. Your videos have been a great resource for my learning journey. Please continue to do part 2 videos. Love to watch it!

[@chrish2444]

Such as great video and so much information in a short one. Keep up the good work.

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you!!

[@nooodlebits]

You keep making bangers. Thank you Aliena ❤

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you!!

[@Nkamodira32]

Thank you Aliena, learnt a lot from this video

[@AlienaCai]

I'm so glad!

[@jiwonyang7574]

"8. Intern and junior positions are gone. Become a senior designer on your own. " This really resonate with me since I'm doing the job search these days. The problem is I'm not sure how to do that. Is there any videos that talks about this subject? or do you mind giving me some tips?

[@AlienaCai]

It takes years to become a senior designer on yourself. My advice would be finding client projects on your own to build up experience. This video may be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJmygY2NlqhkmpYsi=O4yiX_T1rUa-RPv4

[@cyprograms]

I love this type of videos Especially from someone who has worked in big Tech It bridges a big Gap As a Junior Designer I started building my personal brand and Agency Although I am very confident in my work; Sometimes I always felt like what I am doing was wrong since I have no degree or office design certificate Now you just spoke my mind will love to get more insights especially for us solopreneurs “unemployed designers”😅

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for sharing! Keep up your good work. You'd be surprised by how far you can go when turning that self doubt to 0%

[@cyprograms]

@@AlienaCai Thank you Aliena🥳

[@haruharu5829]

Your video always encourages me to learn a lot! Thank you for the helpful tips.😊

[@idikwuandrew4614]

This video speaks directly to me ❤❤

[@AlienaCai]

So glad to hear that!

[@Oscar.Aguilar]

The UX Designer to the World

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks Oscar!! And congrats on your new UX job 🎉

[@Gabarevilla]

Great video, thanks. A lot of life wisdom.

[@AlienaCai]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Neehar.Design]

Things I learned in my UX design journey : Is you want to learn things on your own. Start with UX design. Not UI design or figma. This makes you think like a problem solver & helps you think in user's shoes. It's a never ending process. We had to constantly learn & update to climb the ladder. Be it core skils or managerial

[@toluowolabi4613]

Aliena this was sooo good, thanks for sharing, I really feel you about growing to senior on your own, can you provide more information about doing that ? How would you know if you’re doing things right on your own ?

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for letting me know! I've taken notes on your suggestions.

[@CoreyTXdad]

Having a accountability partners and checking in resonates with me, I think that would challenge me give me out of my comfort zone

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for sharing. Definitely try it out! I still have weekly co-working sessions with other designers hehe

[@alejandraramos5605]

Agreed, I've been on this journey for 2 years and I still have some challenges keeping myself accountable

[@kathyhatch8982]

I love this content and would love a part 2 even more! I’m currently employed but not in UX although I have created my own UX project at my job. It’s a huge struggle to work full time and devote extra time to practicing UX and building a portfolio though. I am taking Aliena’s course as well but haven’t finished it yet. It’s one of the best investments I’ve made so far. If anyone here is in a similar position and wants a design partner, please let me know. Aliena has a great following here and it seems like we could all help each other.

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for letting me know and enjoy your learning experience at fast track ux! Best wishes for your career ✨

[@annienakamura8103]

That was a really helpful video! I just started to learn Figma recently and was thinking my career path for UX/UI job. I condider to join your Fast Track UX and also good to know the networking is important!

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for letting me know! All the best with your career ✨ Always welcome to join my course when you are ready 👍

[@georgemeerlp]

Love your content ❤

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you!!

[@Gurudevrampure]

its best explanation on all points of ux careear .

[@AlienaCai]

thank you 🙏🏼

[@t.hueanhle3760]

It’s the sign to grow up as a senior.

[@AlienaCai]

you got this!

[@cyprograms]

You got That “Legit “ word on repeat lately 😅😂 Helpful video btw thank you so much ❤🎉

[@AlienaCai]

Ahaha I don't even realize 🤣 Thank you for such a legit comment 🥂

[@cyprograms]

@@AlienaCai your the best

[@commonindianpeople513]

Valuable Information Aliena

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you!!

[@RashmiDokey]

I have a background in Biotech now transitioning to UX/UI , I like your videos and I want you to make part 2 of this amazing video

[@AlienaCai]

Noted! Thanks for sharing!

[@abolajinofiu7956]

Thank you for the massive knowledge ypu shared in this video...

[@AlienaCai]

My pleasure

[@Maniac40800]

Looking forward to part 2

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for letting me know!

[@davidolaniyi918]

Making the 100th Comment(probablly including replies) so we can get a part 2🥹🤲🤲 So much knowledge here, thank you Aliena✨

[@AlienaCai]

My pleasure!

[@NgocPham-uo8kg]

Thanks so much for sharing!!!

[@AlienaCai]

You're very welcome!

[@Wisdomstory52]

Yes ✅

[@acst2350]

While it is very kind of you to share these secrets, I need to point out that there is a study that has shown that having the "Open to work" badge leads to a 40% increase in outreach from recruiters. I've gotten hired for two UX design contract roles with fortune 500 companies so far from recruiters who saw my open to work badge. Telling people to turn it off "because it's desperate" will cost people opportunities. If you are a recruiter hiring for a ux contract role, do you want to spend time reaching out to someone who may not even be actively looking for a job since the open to work badge is off? Or would you rather speak to someone who clearly indicates they are job searching, could start right away and is "desparate?" Recruiters have unanimously stated approval for the open to work badge. If they appreciate it, we should use it.

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I'm really glad that the feature worked out for you as it intended 👍👍

[@tarkm-u6m]

Haha the ending 😂 thanks for a great video , 100k would be a dream

[@AlienaCai]

So glad that someone actually saw that 🤣 thanks!!

[@user-dt9kk6sg8z]

excellent final video there

[@AlienaCai]

thank you!

[@srimanthsrimanth7023]

Hi mam ,I was watching your videos regarding the ui ux design best content 🎉

[@AlienaCai]

Glad to hear that, thank you so much!

[@aminalhaq23]

This was a great video!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you!

[@fox-i8546]

thank you Aleina!

[@AlienaCai]

You're so welcome!

[@everythingaboutestonia]

can i ask what camera do you use? its so good to watch them since they are so clear!

[@gellirollz]

I first wanted to become a UX/UI designer because of your videos, and then I decided to expand into full-stack engineering, which I still want to pursue. I thought since learning both takes time, I would work on them simultaneously, starting with Python, JavaScript, and UX frameworks. What resonates with me most is doing personal projects and working on real projects with constraints, work like an agency would. Question: As a digital marketer for 4 years, working with startups and small business owners, should I list both "Digital Marketer" and "UX/UI Designer" on my website, or should I stick with just "Digital Marketer" until I have more UX/UI or engineering projects to showcase? Question: My goal is to create apps and become an full stack engineer, but since I have a business background , I thought ux/ui design would be easier to get into tech.. then into full-stack...Any Advice?

[@phishdough]

We’re all going to make it :)

[@AlienaCai]

YESSSS

[@HiZelia]

Do you have any senior designers portfolio that you think are great to look at? Love all your videos Alienaaaaa~! Still hustling hard!! :D

[@E.H.96]

I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in UX Design, but I’m feeling a bit lost about what to do next. The program was very academic, and while we worked on projects with companies, it didn’t provide real-world experience like an internship. This makes me unsure and not so confident to reach out to companies and provide my services. With junior roles and internships becoming rare, is freelancing the right step for someone like me who lacks hands-on experience? Do you or anyone else here have any tips on how to start or resources you could share? 😊

[@yasemintopuz]

The companies ask for launched product in their job ads but it is not in the designers' control to launch a product or not.

[@TheTheboss1010]

Aliena, I enjoy your logic and knowledge. I have a design firm specializing in Branding and I am a part time professor. I need to improve my FIgma skills and will keep watching your videos. However I want more help, so could you suggest some sources for me and if possible possibly a group in NYC that I can join to learn in detail how to use Figma.

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks a lot for sharing! I don't know any specific group in NYC, but you should be able to find UX related events here: www.meetup.com/ In addition, I have a free playlist on Figma tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emWxqoRrnrSAfJI If you'd like to learn more advanced design and figma skill, I have a course at fasttrackux.com

[@gizzmo54]

Wow this was so helpful!! The best tip was to not label myself as "unemployed" !! I get it now! 😂

[@AlienaCai]

Glad it was helpful! And thank you for sharing ✨

[@PatTheRipper]

What are some ways we can make constraints interesting? How do we tell that story successfully?

[@AlienaCai]

One common constraint I had was not having usability testing capability. In this case, I'd highlight that as a constraint and talked about how I made decision working under that constraints: e.g., competitive analysis, internal feedback, quick survey...

[@PatTheRipper]

@@AlienaCai thank you. I’ve learned that hiring managers care more about how we solved a problem more than the problem itself.

[@raniismaiil]

I already in this course.. You fix or clean my mintality❤️😅

[@AlienaCai]

Happy to hear that! 😄🥂

[@umma901]

How do I find an accountability partner because most of the people around me aren’t really into it.

[@AlienaCai]

Hi, you can find it through LinkedIn, you just need a virtual partner!

[@TopMyster_]

I love us design, but I can code so I will become a UX Engineer.

[@AlienaCai]

You got this! All the best with your UX Engineer career 💪

[@TopMyster_]

@@AlienaCai Thank you! Do you have any free courses for ux design?

[@dino-chan..]

Intern and junior design roles are gone?😢 I just started learning two months ago😔

[@AlienaCai]

It's not necessarily gone. They still exist but is a bit harder to secure if you look for the once from big tech. From my own experience, it was easier to land client projects from personal connection and networking than looking for intern positions online. Please keep learning and networking! You got this!

[@AnabBegum-c7z]

Hi. I am interested in KZbin and also UI UX design.. I am from Non IT background but my idea is to learn UI UX design course for 6 months and search for a job or do freelancing on UI UX design and then start KZbin channel.. Should I do like this or Should I directly start youtube now rather than wasting time on UIUX course.. ? Please advice

[@AlienaCai]

I wouldn't think taking a uiux course is a waste a time. You can also do them both. I don't have enough context to your personal case to give a good enough feedback. But having something that's fully in your control helped me a lot. Whether you can find a client or not is not 100% in your control. So I'd balance that with something within my control, e.g., taking a course or doing KZbin.

[@anuragbishtt]

I am a beginner and I am confused that how to send drafts to business of the work and also how to communicate with web developer means I am confused over this..

[@AlienaCai]

When in doubt, set up a meeting 😅

[@Divyv520]

Hey Aliena , really nice video ! I was wondering if I could help you with more Quality Editing in your videos and also make a highly engaging Thumbnail and also help you with the overall youtube strategy and growth ! Pls let me know what do you think ?

[@AlienaCai]

I'm not looking for editor at the moment. Thanks for reaching out!

[@kotadiyachaitanya7957]

Hii aliena maam genuinely like your explanation way. i can help you in a editing if you are fine can i so my work ?

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you for letting me know! I'm not actively looking for an editor right now.

[@Techmom-Favour]

Getting a job is hard

[@AlienaCai]

I wish you all the best with your career ✨ Keep going, you got this!!

[@juliamiho72]

Only thing I could concentrate on is the youtube thing leaning on the tv screen, it triggers me

[@PatTheRipper]

Bothered me a bit too. I have learned how to ignore it. 😂

[@AlienaCai]

😅 Should have put more thought into that positioning. Thanks for letting me know!

[@nanou99]

« it takes 3 years » THANK YOU !

[@AlienaCai]

No problem. Everyone's timeline is different. But making a 3 year timeline would benefit aspiring designers way more than making a 3 months timeline.

[@Pomidorisgogo]

Thank you, it's a very insightful video!

[@AlienaCai]

Glad it was helpful!