What role do most UX designer begin their careers as?

If you’ve just completed your UX designer course and find yourself unsure about how or where to kickstart your career, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll delve into the various roles that most UX designers begin their careers in.

The path to starting a career in UX can vary from person to person, depending on individual interests and skills. Some may opt to begin as a junior UI designer, while others may choose to embark on their journey as a junior UX designer career, junior product designer, or even an intern. Additionally, those who prefer greater self-reliance may decide to launch their careers as freelancers.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these avenues in detail, exploring the opportunities and insights they offer to aspiring UX designers.

Internships UX designer career

Internships are often the starting point for most beginners in their UX design careers. Typically lasting around 3 to 12 months, an internship provides invaluable hands-on experience in a company setting. As an intern, you not only gain practical knowledge of UX work but also receive a certificate of completion. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a stipend for your efforts.

Embarking on a career as an intern means being prepared to learn a great deal. Internships offer a wealth of learning opportunities, without the added pressure of meeting strict deadlines or other work-related obligations that permanent employees might face. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the field, acquire new skills, and explore the nuances of UX design without the same level of expectation or stress.

Junior UX designer career

After completing internships, many individuals begin their careers as junior or associate UX/UI designers or product designers. Some may directly enter these roles without prior internship experience. The key difference lies in the fact that those who have completed an internship possess real-time project exposure, giving them a slight advantage during interviews. However, from the employer’s perspective, both are considered junior positions.

My recommendation would be to initially join a company as an intern and then secure a junior position within the same organization. This approach allows for continuity and a smoother transition. Nevertheless, the choice ultimately depends on your preferences and the availability of openings.

After working in the field for approximately 4-5 years, promotion to a senior position becomes a possibility, although the exact timing may vary across different companies.

If you have a keen interest and skill in visual design, consider starting as a junior UI designer, as this role focuses primarily on UI-related aspects. On the other hand, if your passion lies in problem-solving, research, and other related areas, joining as a UX designer would be a suitable path. For those who possess skills and interest in both areas, pursuing a role as a product designer might be the right fit. However, it’s important to note that not all companies have specific design roles like these, so choose wisely by considering factors such as the quality of the design teams and the company’s understanding of UX design.

Freelancers

Many beginners tend to avoid the path of freelancing in their early stages of their careers due to its inherent challenges and lack of guaranteed success. Financial struggles and difficulty in acquiring clients are common obstacles one may face. While this path may be more arduous, it also offers distinct advantages compared to the aforementioned options.

One of the major advantages of freelancing, if you achieve success, is the potential for higher earnings compared to being a junior or an intern. Additionally, freelancers enjoy the freedom to choose their projects and work locations. However, the abundance of time available in freelancing can sometimes lead to delayed action. Therefore, choosing to start directly as a freelancer is not advisable.

If you still have an interest in freelancing, a recommended approach is to first join a company and then gradually transition into freelancing during your free time. There are numerous freelancing websites where you can find clients and projects. If you decide to embark on freelancing, it’s crucial to be patient, consistent, and start with a minimal charge, gradually increasing your hourly rate. Initially, it may take some time to secure projects, but once you establish your reputation and portfolio, the influx of projects will likely increase.

Conclusion

Now that you have gained an understanding of how UX designers begin their careers, if you’re planning to embark on a UX career, consider starting as an intern and gradually transitioning into a junior or associate UX/UI designer role. Regardless of the path you choose, whether it’s internships, junior positions, or freelancing, always maintain a mindset of continuous learning. The early stages of your career will present abundant learning opportunities, so remain open to feedback and embrace the chance to expand your knowledge.

Wishing you the best in your UX design career! May you create products that enrich the lives of users.