How Is My First UX Design Job Going?
In this article, you will learn about my career journey from city planning to UX design, as well as my reflections on my first UX Design job.
I am back to document my life in this little diary once more. Before delving into the present, allow me to briefly touch upon how I arrived here
I studied urban planning at one of Turkey’s top universities, while never intending to work in the field. As you might expect, I live in a third-world country where the government appoints its own officials to each position. As a result, there has been an astounding level of corruption.
Also, there seems to be a lack of regard for urban planners and their expertise, as well as financial resources. As a result, I was confused and wondered if pursuing an academic profession would be a better fit for me. Despite having worked as a researcher at Istanbul Technical University, I felt something was lacking.
Therefore, I came across UX design, which piqued my interest given my background in designing posters and creating illustrations as a hobby, as well as my proficiency with design tools. I am truly passionate about design and, in my capacity as a researcher and urban planner, I have conducted numerous usability studies —but more targeted towards the physical rather than digital environment. The transition to UX design was incredibly seamless for me, and after devoting four months of hard work, I successfully secured my very first role as a UX designer.
I apologize if I’ve been tedious, but it’s important for the reader to understand my background, as making the decision to change careers and embark on a new path is no easy feat. I was uncertain whether I possessed the necessary qualifications or had the capability to tackle the tasks that lay ahead.
It has been nearly five months since I embarked on this new journey, and I would like to share my experiences with you. I am aware that there are many individuals who are unhappy in their current occupations and want to pursue a different career path, but are hesitant due to the unknown. I can relate to that feeling.
So, was I capable enough?
I began working at a healthcare startup where the pace is exceedingly rapid. Our application caters to a diverse user base, including doctors, patients, assistants, translators, and administrators. Initially, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain as this was my first job and I was the sole UX designer in the company.
I found myself yearning for the guidance of a product manager or senior UX designer who could provide me with direction and support. Oftentimes, I struggled to understand the application’s flow and user base without anyone available to provide me with insights and explanations.
Furthermore, there were no design templates or reports available, which made it difficult for me to comprehend the objectives and purpose of our company. It took me some time to fully grasp our goals and aspirations.
Initially, I began by redesigning our pages, which was a relatively safe and comfortable task for me. I felt a strong desire to prove myself and was fearful of making mistakes, so I found solace in working on something that had already been established.
.Eventually, we embarked on a brand new project, and I was faced with the challenge of explaining the UX design process and what I required to my colleagues, all while adhering to strict deadlines. I ended up deviating from the traditional path I had learned from my courses.
Consequently, I was confronted with the reality of the business world, which differed greatly from what I had learned in theory. However, I am mindful not to generalize my experiences.
As time passed, I became more settled into my role, which included preparing social media posts. I created illustrations that depicted our brand and the services we offer.
As I reflect on the past four months, I realize that there were both busy and calm periods. At times, I experienced stress and feelings of imposter syndrome. However, despite these challenges, I never once questioned whether I was on the right path.
Perhaps, after all these years of feeling anxious about my career, I finally believe in myself and my abilities. Despite facing challenges within the company, I remained focused on my work and took pride in the product I produced. It brought me the professional fulfillment I had been searching for.
I am currently working alongside three frontend developers, and they have made my job much easier by providing me with their support and collaboration. Having friendly and supportive colleagues is incredibly valuable, especially when working onsite.
I can hardly believe how quickly the time has passed, but I am grateful for every second of the past few months. In the beginning, I felt like I was simply working, but as time went on, I found myself feeling proud of what I had accomplished. This sense of accomplishment gave me a newfound confidence in my abilities. I am grateful for my decision to become a UX designer.
If you find yourself unhappy with your current situation, don’t be quick to form opinions or make decisions. Take the time to reflect and discover what truly brings you happiness. Once you find your passion and pursue it, you will find your way, regardless of any obstacles or naysayers you may encounter.
Thank you for being a part of my journey and for sharing in my excitement as I embark on this new adventure. I am eager to discover what the future holds, and to continue learning and expanding my horizons with all of you by my side.
