Career transition from Software engineer to UX designer
Hi , I had completed my masters in computer science and have 4 yoe as backend software engineer working for Bay Area companies . Currently I am on H1b my perm application did not start yet. I am planning to make career transition as a UX designer and find my next job as a UX designer . Before talking to a recruiter, To gain relevant hands on skills and experience I am planning to attend a boot camp from GA or CF Specialize in one of ux design areas (like voice interface design ) work on design projects for list of design usecases to showcase in a portfolio Now , given that I have good portfolio , knowledge, working experience of fundamentals in ux design from the immigration perspective does my master in computer science is good enough to find next job as ux designer. or do I need to pursue a degree in UX design or Human computer interaction or some other field in a recognized university ? Any relevant suggestions will be helpful. Thank you #ui/ux #design
Your degree is fine, no need to get a new degree. It will mostly come down to the quality of your portfolio, as well as your ability to explain your design decisions and find new opportunities
Thank you very much for your reply
why?😂 the salary is much lower compare to engineer
Yes I understand it completely. Recently, I realized that I can help to design good user centric products and I would love to explore this opportunity as ux designer .
You could be making more money doing the same work at a user centered company, like Apple or AirBnB. UX designers need software engineers who are advocates of good user experiences where design can’t touch, like speed and innovative tech.
Degree is probably not necessary, but a good portfolio with solid real projects will help you distinguish yourself from other candidates. A perspective on being efficient and economical with engineering to help drive design initiative would be something that you could use to your advantage. With solid fundamentals in design in place, I wouldn't necessarily 'specialize' in one area of UX just yet. Why narrow your chances with limited opportunities and appeal in transitioning into the field?
I did my masters in computer science and made the exact switch. Never been happier (yes it pays less than software engineer, but I love my job each & everyday). Use that computer science knowledge as a strength. I dunno whether GA is good at all.. but try the free coursera, udemy courses first and get started on projects (those professors and content are brilliant compared to these bootcamps). Look at case studies through other people's portfolios and do some side projects and lastly network. Talk to people you appreciate. There are ux mentors everywhere these days. HCI degree just gives your an easier path.. but those two years can easily be used to grow in the industry instead as time is precious.
Hey. How did you switch? You learnt from coursera and just built your portfolio and interviewed in new company or did you switch internally?
I got projects based on online courses and side projects. & Did some projects during my CS masters as well (I took undergrad design courses as an add on). But yes portfolio with design projects helped get me an entry level (though after 100+ rejects).. the first UX job is the hardest to get in. Company switching is easier if you have a good ux team with an understanding manager/less, many in my org have done that.. I directly went for a new company & got a job.
@OP. What did you do? Took any steps? I'm looking to do the same.
Become a UX engineer