The strategy I took to transition from a Chemical Engineer to a UX-UI Designer
Namaste reader 🙏🏼
In this article, I will share my experience of transitioning from a Chemical Engineering background to UX Design.
[Bonus] Towards the end of this article, I have included some valuable resources that played a crucial role in guiding me through this transition, Be sure to check them out.
Why should you read it?
If you’re aspiring to transition into UX design from a different background, learning from the experiences of those who have successfully made the leap is invaluable.
Their insights not only help you steer clear of common mistakes but, more importantly, provide a boost to your own journey.
And yes, if you don’t want to read I am not going to force you.
For those diving into this read : Without further delay, let’s jump right in…
1. Build relationships with designers
I adhered to a simple principle:
If you want to learn about a new domain you got to talk to people working in that domain.
Initially, upon discovering about UX Design, I didn’t dive into courses or start learning the tools immediately.
Instead, I connected with designers,
engaged in conversations,
learned about the intricacies of the UX job,
and carefully noted their advice
This approach not only broadened my understanding but also allowed me to build great relationships.
To date, some of these connections are great friends and mentors of mine.
How do I do it?
It all started one day while watching a YouTube video by a designer called Punnet Chawla. He was sharing design resources, and there I stumbled upon a gem — a resource that offers a free mentorship program with industry-level designers.
It’s called ADP List.
It is a free mentorship program website, so don’t wait — start learning and building relationships with the best designers out there.
Take the leap and explore what ADP List has to offer.
You can also use LinkedIn to build relationships.
When sending a connection request, avoid generic messages; instead, use personalized notes and refrain from using generic ChatGPT-generated messages.
Your sincerity will make a lasting impression.
Be genuine, Be Authentic
2. Took a course
Based on the advice from my mentors I decided to pursue a UX course to get more understanding about the profession.
And just like many, I took the “Google UX Certificate Program” from Coursera…
Of course, this course didn’t directly land me a job; I completed only five courses within it.
but it did help me understand many prominent terms like
Wireframes,
User personas,
Prototype,
Information Architecture,
Difference between UX and UI
UX Research
Design Thinking,
etc…
So make sure you learn at least basic terms of the industry.
You can also explore alternative learning methods like YouTube videos to broaden your knowledge.
3. Environmental Design
As I get a little understanding of what UX is about, what a UX Designer does,
I started to love it
Not just that,
I infused design into every aspect of my surroundings.
For example,
I revamped my LinkedIn completely into an aspired designer profile,
Started connecting with other designers,
Not confined to the digital realm, I brought tangible tools like Sharpies, A4 sheets, and sticky notes onto my table.
I extended my awareness to the UX of everyday experiences; whether waiting in a train ticketing line, navigating a mall, or observing the information architecture of products, I started thinking about everything in terms of UX.
Well this point might sound obvious to you and you even know it, but the fact is there is a resistance (aka Procrastination) that prevent us from making these changes.
So if you aspire to become a UX Designer, intentionally design your environment.
After reading Atomic habits this year, I realized that there’s an entire topic related to environmental design, well guess what I was ahead of the time ;)
4. Posting online
Every step of my journey towards becoming a designer, every lesson learned — I shared it all online.
My platform of choice was Facebook groups.
Here’s a glimpse of some of my posts:
Well enough bragging about myself,
But just one more screenshot, please
Look at the engagements in the above post. I received 80+ friend requests, 20+ messages.
Not to brag, but due to the virality of that post, someone reached out to me.
Surprisingly, we ended up collaborating for three months, during which I designed the UX/UI for an app and its the marketing website.
Unfortunately, the app never went live.
And due to NDA, I cannot post work anywhere,
However, the experience was invaluable, I got to learn a lot of new stuffs and this person has become a good friend.
So, my advice is to regularly share your work online. Embrace whatever feedback comes your way as positive criticism, and strive to improve
Because you never know what opportunities might unfold. Who knows? Your dream company might just reach out to you.
5. Canvas Strategy
Well, this point is agnostic to design principles, and I stumbled upon it through a YouTubevideo by Jonathan Courtney, Co-Founder of Aj&Smart.
The concept originates from Ryan Holiday, a New York Times best-selling author. I highly recommend watching it in its entirety — it might just be a game-changer.
In a nutshell,
The canvas strategy is learning how to get what you want by learning how to get other people what they want
Applying this strategy has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with some top designers.
The beauty of it lies in its versatility; you can employ this approach in any field or domain.
6. Embracing Imperfection
Let me tell you about two things I learned the hard way:
Portfolio Website:
I spent three whole months trying to make my portfolio website perfect. It drove me nuts. I wanted it to be so good that everyone would love it. But my mentors gave me a reality check. Instead of obsessing over the website, I switched gears. I started working on case studies and quickly made a Behance portfolio. It was easy and fast, and get things done.
Case study:
I also spent two months trying to make a perfect case study. More frustration. I talked to my mentors again, and they told me to stop chasing perfection. I finished that case study in just one week.
Lesson learned: forget about being perfect; just build things quickly and make them better over time.
7. Do More
While working on my persona assignment for the Google UX program, I came across a video by a designer named “Malewicz.”
I can’t recall the video’s title, but the message stuck with me: “Do more.”
Here’s a snapshot of the persona template provided in the course, and there are more than 10 templates you get throughout the program.
Now, let’s think about this:
If 10,000 people are pursuing the same course, 99% of them will use these templates to create their case studies and showcase them in their portfolios
imagine being a hiring manager — scrolling through countless portfolios with the same templates applied. Does that increase your chances of landing a job?
You know the answer.
So, here’s what you should do:
Do more.
Don’t just rely on templates; use your creativity. Look at the work of great designers for inspiration.
And I’d recommend instead of following the case study prompts given in the course, tackle something genuinely worth solving
Check out my first case study hereto see how I didn’t use a single template provided in the course.
8. Start applying
I used to believe I needed a perfect portfolio with three amazing case studies before I could start applying for jobs. But guess what? I was wrong, and I learned it the hard way.
So, I changed my approach. I built just one solid case study and started applying for internships on different platforms. Sure, I faced rejection for two months straight, but each rejection taught me something valuable.
Finally, after those rejections and learnings, I landed an internship at Ungrammary, and now I’m a full-time employee
The lesson here? Don’t wait for the perfect time. Start applying now. It’s the best way to learn and eventually land the opportunity you’re looking for.
Resources
Here is the list of resources I followed to learn about designs
Websites for articles and inspirations
- Mobbin.com
- Growth.design
- Material design guidelines
- Checklist.design
- NielsenNorman Group
- Human Interface Guidelines
- Smashing Magazine
YouTube channels
- DesignPilot
- Mizko
- Femke.design
- Jesse Showalter
- Figma (main youtube channel)
- The futur
- Flux Academy
- Aj&Smart (Watch old videos)
Conclusion:
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I really appreciate it.
These points are not just steps; they represent the twists and turns, lessons learned, and successes on this transformative path.
Remember, these strategies worked for me, and they might not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone’s journey is unique, and what matters most is finding the approach that resonates with you.
If you have any questions, want to share your story, or just connect, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn
Sayonara 👋🏻
