Started my current job in May after pivoting careers into Design, is it too early for me to find new opportunities?

KPMG
das_me

Go to company page KPMG

das_me
Aug 12, 2021 7 Comments

**Just want to preface, I know I’m super privileged to be even asking this question because there are so many people who’d wish to be in my position.**

Hi everyone,
I’m currently a experience designer at KPMG and it’s been a tough couple months here because I haven’t been designing anything other than decks.
Of course, it’s been great that I’m learning about UX strategy and research but that is something I knew I was never interested in going into the job search.

Long story short, it’s most likely that there will be less opportunities in actually design (prototyping, wire framing etc) in the future and I have this fear if I need to start applying for jobs again.

What I’m conflicted on are:
1. I still don’t have enough design experience because the projects I’ve been working on has been all strategy so I don’t know how I can sell myself to employers.
2. I love the people that I work with, the directors and managers are huge advocates for me but my frustration is something that is out of their control as well.

TL;DR
I graduated from bootcamp a year ago and now working at a company where I’m not designing at all. I don’t have enough experience to be looking for new jobs, so do I stick it out for a year and network or find a new job ASAP?

Thank you

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TOP 7 Comments
  • You need to invest in a career coach, one with experience in ux or design. There’s a lot of the story you haven’t posted here and you need someone with the full picture to help guide you.
    Aug 12, 2021 1
    • Jobs are not just building portfolio pieces, but sometimes we think that’s what they are because that’s what’s needed to get one. The fact that you love your manager is HUGE. Careers are long and having strategy background will actually distinguish you from pixel pushers. So that’s why you should really talk to a career coach before rushing to something else that might also disappoint you in other ways.
      Aug 12, 2021
  • Niantic
    aNkN22

    Go to company page Niantic

    aNkN22
    Sounds like they put you in a role with a lot of analyst and strategist duties when you want to work more on interaction and visual design.
    I would voice to your manager or team how important it is that you get to work on more interaction and visual design. I’m unfamiliar with KPMG culture but there has to be backlog items somewhere available for you to work on.

    I think you should stay longer regardless of what happens, you’re so early in career you should stick with a stable job for a while and make the most of it. These skills you’re gaining now, while not your favorite part of UX will be helpful for you down the line.

    If you run into a wall looking for design work at the company, look at doing some freelance designs. Maybe learn how to use shopify or webflow and look for some clients.
    You could also look at contributing design work to open source projects, many are welcoming to designers looking to improve their documentation sites.
    Aug 12, 2021 1
  • 1. Why do you want to be working on prototype, wireframes, etc. as opposed to strategy?
    2. It sounds like you've spoken with your manager about your frustrations and wants? What's the reason you're not able to be doing that type of work?

    A quick note on research: it's not UX if research isn't a part of it.
    Aug 12, 2021 0
  • Facebook / Design
    6153

    Go to company page Facebook Design

    PRE
    Airbnb
    6153
    I see it sort of a red flag when someone so early in their career is already job hopping. If the work isn’t making you miserable and the pay is reasonable, my opinion would be to stay and build more experience.
    Aug 12, 2021 0
  • Intuit
    stock📈📈📈

    Go to company page Intuit

    stock📈📈📈
    What do you mean when you say UX strategy? What kind?
    Aug 12, 2021 0