Honest Talks: UX Transition to Full Time - Secrets to Learn, Stand Out, and Get Hired (ex-Big Tech)

[@DanGarcia_UX]

Thanks for this video. I decided to start learning UX/UI as a potential career change a few weeks ago. The job market right now is discouraging but I keep telling myself it’s discouraging right now and I’m not an experienced designer yet. I’m weary about relying on bootcamps at the moment because of the financial commitment but you hit the nail on the head with the mentors that bootcamps offer. I wouldn’t look at the bootcamp as a stamp of approval for employers to see but more so for the people I’ll meet and the doors that will open. I’ll have to shop around for bootcamps after the google course.

[@sharonyeunkim]

Hi Dan! Yes, I think all of these courses, masters degrees, bootcamps what have you at the end of the day are tools fitted for different people at different stages or situations. I personally found that mentorship has been pivotal towards my learning and therefore recommend for others to keep that in mind :) and my pleasure 😇

[@manpanan11278]

Thank you so much as always for sharing your knowhow. I am in the midst of transitioning my career from research to become a product designer so your insights have been invaluable!

[@sharonyeunkim]

So glad I can help! What would you like to see next?

[@ju7192]

Thank you for this insightful video. It is really informative and meaningful to me at my current stage of career seeking dilemma. I’m in my final year of undergrad in a field that I kinda regretted choosing because it was not what I thought it would be. It felt frustrating and unsatisfying so I was a bit lost on what I should do. Your video helped clear my doubts and let me know that I’m not alone or hopeless in my situation. Thank you for remotivating me, I’ll get back to working on my portfolio.💪

[@sharonyeunkim]

Hey! Yeah- I have a lot of friends who have been going through the same thing. It’s not about exactly regretting what’s already been done, but doing what you can moving forward. I’m not aware of what your major is but there are many designers who come from untraditional backgrounds who have been able to have a great career in design. Just takes time, leaning, and practice. Hope to hear from you again on your journey 🫶🫶

[@alinarivera1926]

how do you find all of the portfolio examples that you looked at for inspiration?

[@beatrizquintana5437]

Hey Sharon! Thank you so much for this video! As a graphic design major who's currently going through the process of applying to internships and building my UI/UX portfolio, this video brought me a lot of comfort and encouragement. This whole process has been really eye-opening for me, but now more than ever I feel excited to fully transition into this industry and I really appreciate your channel as it has helped me a lot along the way. Thanks for all that you do and happy new year :)

[@sharonyeunkim]

Ahh yes I’m so glad!!! I think it can def feel so daunting but literally so many people go through that tough face of many rejections before that one yes. It’s not a matter of if, but when- just don’t give up and it will happen!

[@aquqGir1]

hey girl! I wanted to ask if you could give a simple road map or an outline for people from non-traditional background?

[@sahitid9857]

Hi Sharon, thank you for this video! As someone who is moving from CS to UX, this was so informative. Is there a public portfolio that you could share so that we could use it as reference?

[@sharonyeunkim]

Hey! Yes my pleasure. There’s been many cases of plagerism for my website and products atm so I had to take it down. Planning to revamp and reupload in February.

[@hamster216]

I know within SWE cover letters aren't as important when applying to larger companies. How much weight do you think cover letters carry in a UX application?

[@sharonyeunkim]

Cover letters are like cosmetic accessories in applications imo. If you don’t have a good portfolio it doesn’t matter at all. IF you do have a good portfolio, then cover letters are more formalities in my pov for recruiters to see if you’ve done your research on the company, you are showing interest, and that your projects or work experience align with giving value to whatever positions you are applying for

[@lambkin222]

Thank you for this video, Sharon! I recently graduated with a BS in Anthropology with initial hopes of becoming a forensic anthropologist.. As I matured I came to realize that I romanticized this field of study.. Like you, I love art and color. I enjoy learning, I want a sustainable work/life balance and a great salary. I'm not great with technology but that is one thing that is not going away, figured I should hop into it ASAP! Plus my boyfriend is going to school for Software Development! With all those aspects I found UX/UI. Plus, anthropology fits neatly with UX/UI due to the constant need to understand what people want and how people feel in terms of app/website manipulability. I see it as the perfect field for me. And I'm currently taking an online course through Udemy which has been going great! I'm so glad I found your channel so I can gain some real insight on this world of UX/UI Design. I'm so excited for the future. Thanks again

[@vsdy1990]

UX field is dying. Everything is standardized. Why are bloggers still promoting it.

[@Suficenter]

Because they want to make money

[@marceloarctic]

I can attest that you don’t need a degree to get into the field. I have a high school diploma and took a few certificates and classes to learn graphic design and worked in a healthcare company for 10 years. I then got hired as a UX UI Designer two years ago in a similar industry. For me, going for an undergrad degree at this point in my career would make little sense other than a personal satisfaction or if I wanted to switch careers. I want to go back to school though, to get a certification in HCI or AI, or Project Management.

[@Akirameowxp]

Thank you for being so transparent with us. Will definitely sign up for your mentorship session after I’m done with my UI/UX bootcamp. 😊🤞🏼

[@sharonyeunkim]

Always my pleasure! Best of luck and hope to speak with you soon then :)

[@bruunasandri]

Thank you for the insights, Sharon! I'm a fashion designer transitioning to UX design, after 12 years of fashion industry. I totally understand you when you mention the life balance. I see that's a great challenge to start now on UX that I'm entering on my 30s, but I think it's never too late to start all over again. I'm doing some courses, and I think I will follow your advise on mentorship. Please keep up with the good work on youtube, it's very inspiring!!!

[@jty1999]

I'm late to this video but I'm in the exact same boat. I started off with STEM, couldn't make it work. Hopped around a lot with different career and academic fields. Felt lost and suffered loss like many other people in 2020. Finally landed on UX Design and am reigniting the creative spark that I had shoved down for so long because I thought, "It's not going to help me make money." I'm also a 20-something-year-old and half Korean, so hey! Glad to know I'm not the only one. Thanks Sharon.

[@caitlinmarshall7287]

Hi Sharon, I love ur channel! After watching your Parsons videos I wanted to ask what your thoughts were about the Fashion Studies program there? I was thinking of applying! Any help would be greatly appreciated ❤

[@sharonyeunkim]

It’s the top of its class! If you’re going into fashion design Parsons is a must

[@fastingforward1971]

Thank you for this video. I am currently completing the Google certificate for UX design and have my Bachelor's in Psychology. I have run my own spa business for the past 10 years. I love design and human behavior. I'm thinking of doing a Master's in UX or a bootcamp. I like that Springboard offers a job guarantee, and it would be faster than a Master's. I am older, 47, so I am worried about ageism in tech and being looked over because of my age. Do you think someone like me could have a chance in UX? Seems like most people in the field are younger. Thanks and appreciate your videos. :)

[@sharonyeunkim]

Hello! I don’t know your whole situation to make a proper judgement call but I don’t think it is ever a bad idea to explore your interests and try to see how you find it :)

[@williamcopelandiv]

Very insighful! Im a recent career transitioner from teaching, and just finished Avocademy's BootCamp. Im in the career jumpstart (job finding phase), and boy do I feel less than every time I fill out an app. Especially seeing how many other applicants applied.

[@sharonyeunkim]

Yeah I think in every industry that’s common- it’s not just UX. Highly recc making sure your portfolio is solid first and network in the meantime :)

[@markgetmanvideomaker]

OMG) Who made you this awesome animation for the video? Who is this wonderful video maker?))) Great video! Thank you for your efforts.

[@sharonyeunkim]

Thank you! I’m working with a motion graphics editor right now :) and my pleasure

[@mel_ny]

I have a question for you, Sharon. You keep saying on your videos the importance of having a great mentor during your bootcamp. How did you find this mentor that worked for Springboard and you know that he was good?

[@sharonyeunkim]

!!! Great question. When I was looking I looked at their list of mentors they advertise and took a bet. I assumed even if he wasn’t AMAZING if I took it upon myself to ask very insightful questions it’ll be worth it.

[@Torrespoloc]

Great video, thank you

[@htooaungglwinn]

I mean how could a cusual content be this insightful and inspiring the same time! Thank you for sharing all the ins and outs of your ux career journey. Definitely joining your metor session in the future and wishing you to grow bigger and glow better in 2k24 ^ ^

[@sharonyeunkim]

Thank you!!!! 😆😆😆

[@phoenixdev2677]

Hlo.. fellow designer from India💜

[@AITO_99]

fo

[@sharonyeunkim]

Hello! 💜

[@gileneusz]

your English is really good

[@sharonyeunkim]

Haha yes new york born and raised :)

[@gileneusz]

@@sharonyeunkim cool, happy new year!

[@Madsexday]

Fw this girl heavy, steady dropping fire 🤝

[@sharonyeunkim]

🔥😎