Why you won’t become a UX Designer in 2024

I know it's tough out there right now for entry-level UX Designers so I hope I can share some insight.

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:38 bad time to become a UX designer?
01:09 revealing the truth
01:53 ask yourself this first
02:29 time to get real
04:47 struggling to get a UX design job
06:09 don’t make this mistake

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[robertyoushock]

Another tip: Don't focus on the title, focus on the tasks.
What will your Monday mornings look like? Will what you be doing feel fulfilling to you? etc.

[miguelmendoza]

It's hard. I applied to 800+ jobs, 7 interviews, and 1 job offer. All that within 3 months. Yes it's hard, but possible.

[danny.nedelk]

I disagree on the financial incentive. As someone who got out of a tough financial situation, I totally understand why creative/ visually skilled people would choose ux/product design over video editing or painting: the former pays better. I learned how to care for the user after studying ux design by tapping into my empathy and using the skills that I accumulated, while being incentivized by my fear of poverty. You most probably won't get rich in this field, but you will reach a point where you will be able to live comfortably and you can use that to motivate you. Now I'm in a different headspace but I'll never forget where I started. For some people it might not work out or it might work differently. Don't believe the hype and embrace your unique journey.

[lucygilbertson]

It’s all BS… it is impossible in the sense that it’s basically out of your control. What angers me is that the industry always has the narrative of “it’s you and you need to be better.. a better portfolio, a better resume, more experience, better at interviews blah blah”. From what I’ve seen, it’s got virtually nothing to do with your ability. I’ve been to quite a few networking events for ux and almost everyone who got their first job basically “got lucky”. I’ve seen some incredible people who can’t get a job and some useless people who landed one immediately. It’s the job market that’s broken.. not you.

[asdfghjklzxcvbnm]

It' took me about a year to break into the industry as a UX/Product Designer. Don't give up guys, you got dis

[bittersvveet]

I m a ux designer in Europe, just want to break it to you: it is difficult to get in the industry and nobody wants a junior. People lieee a lot about it. You need not only skills, but a lot of luck! So prepare to struggle :) and if you need a job fast, I advice you to just get anything you can that s related to ux (graphic design included) and continue the hunt, or even volunteer for an NGO in the meantime to get some experience

[DanikaRay]

Your content is gold! ⭐ you are literally my go-to for insight into what it's like working as a UX designer. Thank you so much for your authenticity and willingness to share the REAL stuff behind the title.

[GiDS]

I've been working on becoming a UX Designer and realizing that these bootcamps don't show a lot of the coolest parts of programs like Figma and Adobe XD. I love that you're keeping it real with prospective hires like myself. Its probably some of the most helpful discussion I've heard in relation to UX.

[homiee]

I’m 18 and currently studying a hci college degree for becoming a UX designer in the future. I’ve found your videos are very informative to the field, just wanted to say thank you for the honest and in-depth content :)

[KEVWITHTHESS]

This may sound strange but I developed a passion for working with end users through around 5 years of customer service in retail in addition to 2 years as a quality supervisor working directly with customers in a manufacturing setting. I JUST heard about UX design a few months back from a professor in my PHD program and decided to make it my Dissertation topic. Needless to say I am in love with the UX design process - specifically UX research. Currently taking Advance statistics for research, quantitative research design and qualitative research design in my PHD program in addition to some UX courses. But my overall goal is to becoming a UX researcher this year and maybe down the road become a UX research freelancer in the next upcoming years

[DeepfriedBaby]

The glory days of UX design are over. Blame all the UX bootcamps for saturating the market. Bootcamps are cake. You know why? Because you're guaranteed to pass, because you paid for it. So a "certificate" means nothing. Just focus on a good focused portfolio with real projects (catch 22).

[cinnamonymph]

I’m currently working on the certification for UX and it’s definitely challenging but thanks to your account it gives me motivation!

[jackylex]

I want to be a UX Designer because I find the design process and problem solving opportunities really interesting. I am not doing it for the money. I want to do something different that I actually enjoy.

[tashamac]

Fav UX Youtuber. But you knew thissss! 😆Love your transparency Mimi. Thanks for this!

[ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog]

Thanks for not simply making a video trying to discourage people from going into UX design. I completed the foundations part of my UX bootcamp in December and haven’t applied for the career jumpstart portion for a lot of the reasons that you mentioned. Maybe I’ll go ahead and do the design challenge and apply this weekend. Thanks Mimi

[thinkpadx]

as a product manager I can say that life is tough out there right now. get some work experience in any related area if you can't get a ux role immediately

[brandonux]

I'm currently in my bootcamp's tuition reimbursement audit (yup, I did all their requirements and 6 months of job hunting and no offers). I didn't do it for the money since even the low end of the salary range is near the top of my current field (minus manager, director, + roles) but it is a nice bonus. I did it because I genuinely enjoy the design process...but it's been rough.

I've done all the extra stuff people suggest like volunteer projects, self-projects, mock interviews and whiteboard challenges for practice. I even did an unpaid internship with a startup (my least favorite thing I've done and don't recommend it if it's in the early stages).

With all the layoffs and possible recession, I think FANNG/MANGA companies are doing a course correction. Those crazy perks and salary ranges tiktokers and boot camps use to lure people in are going away. Even Microsoft, who just laid off +10K people, has already relisted sr. UX roles for -100K/yr. I remember seeing those same roles a few months about listed at $130+. And fewer 100% remote roles which limits people.

[TobasscoJelly]

Love the advice to design think your way though the job hunt process. Diverge(explore) and converge(narrow) your way through.

[lizmangus]

Ive been trying for 1.5 years now... ive applied to 700+ jobs (lost count and the will to track).. Went through a whole UX bootcamp, completed 5 total projects and still nothing :(

[pype_dreams]

I so appreciate your candid, realistic, and encouraging insight. You're the best.