HOW I GOT A JOB AS A UX RESEARCHER (from biology/psychology to tech!) | Zero to UX

Today I share my story of how I became a UX RESEARCHER!!
From a biology grad to UX Researcher, it took many months of grit and voracious determination to get where I am, especially when I did not have industry experience.

I know a lot of people who also want to transition to UX research but are lost, so I hope that I could inspire those who are wondering how to become a UX Researcher. Enjoy!

Excuse my lighting and lack of video skillz. I'm still learning how2YouTube.

Don't forget to comment down below what your current journey into UX is like!
Mad love, PEACE!!

#UXResearch #BadassUXLeader #ZeroToUX

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If you have questions about becoming a UX Researcher, feel free to email me.
I ALSO PROVIDE RESUME REVIEWS AND MOCK INTERVIEWS! Ask me about it!

[zerotoux]

What is (or was) your current journey into UX??

[w.c.]

I came from a Literature background, did marketing jobs, decided I wanted to be a UX researcher and literally from your videos I realised it was not impossible . I reviewed how marketing can apply to UX principles, I studied online, build my portfolio from scratch. And boom! Just landed a UX researcher role today. Thank you so much Kevin! You are inspirational.

[benwang]

Well, I am UX manager of TripAdvisor, and I have kind of same story as you. I am the international student from China, After I graduated from master of Marketing Research, I could not find any job in the US. I sent 500+ resume online and try to talk with any HR, but they all highlighted that I did not have any experience, dude, how could I get experience if nobody want entry level researcher? So I back to China, walked in a Germany marketing research firm and ask HR to set an interview with me. Luckily, she gave me a chance to do it and I did! So after 4 years UX job, here I am, very happy to my job and title, love to do UX, and, nice one Kevin!

[audreyanugerah]

Your story is so inspiring. I am currently “funemployed” due to being laid off during COVID-19. I studied Psychology and thought pursuing a career in Mental Health was what I wanted to do but after a couple years in the MH community I feel like it isn’t the right fit for me. Currently Looking into UX and this is a very helpful video!

[jackieji]

Hi, Kevin, I have transferred from biology to UX this year, and just landed a job in March, as UX designer! Your experience is really similar to mine. Cheers!

[courtneydart]

Half way through listening and I had to comment. This sounds SO similar! I've been in academia (I know the pace). I have so much energy to give and want to have the option for growth and professional development. Last year I became a certified Software Developer- come to find out it led to my discovery of the word "UX" and "UX Research" and it was like the stars aligned. With a BA in Anthropology and Biology I knew I wanted to do more than work in a lab. Thank you for sharing. It shows your humility and honesty about the time and uncertainty you went through during a transitional time. Very relatable and inspiring!

[mcjiehembile]

Cant get any more realistic and relatable than that. Thanks for inspiring us!

[kjacksonson]

I am transitioning from a 20+ year career as a healthcare care provider, placing and managing critically ill patients on life support machines. Over time I wasn’t fulfilled, always stressed, when patients died, I took those feelings home with me.. over years. I decided that I wanted to transition into tech, and enrolled in graduate school studying Technology Management. I stumbled upon a UX elective and fell instantly in love with the process. I’m learning Figma, brushing up on some Adobe software, and enrolled in Google UX on Coursera + my university courses. I am currently experiencing the same with ingesting loads of information, but haven’t started designing yet and haven’t applied to any positions. But I like this route of conducting research, as my undergraduate and some parts of graduate studies are heavily research focused. (And I love research so it’s a win-win). Thank you for making this video. I’m late to the party but watching it has been very informative.

[Anshikaao]

Thankyou Kevin it's heavy relatable but the only difference is I haven't got the job yet but after watching your video I decided to not give up 💫 and thanks to YouTube for suggesting it😄

[originals]

Just starting from no experience at all from a suggestion from an acquaintance. Somewhat intimidating but I'm all in. Thanks for the intro!

[laurenryan]

I had pretty much the exact same story! I studied Psychology and Linguistics - for me the tradition job options were clinical or academic. I loved the idea of research but could never consider finishing undergrad and doing another 4 years minimum of school. I never thought I had the tech skills to be able to work in tech and also thought that was reserved for developers etc. BANG I stumbled upon UX Research and it met all my criteria - people, critical analysis, continuous learning, problem solving, creativity. I haven't landed my first UX job but I'm currently upskilling for this year! Thanks for sharing your story!

[deltabunnytravels]

Just found your channel today and subscribed. LOVED hearing your story & the coffee shop research - perfect!!

[Maiyabrown]

I am so inspired by this! My undergrad is in biospychology and I feel like I am going through the same struggle and experience that you went through. All of my friends are at these high paying jobs in NYC and I feel like I am not growing but I am always told I don't have industry experience when trying to transfer my research skills. This video was just what I need to find thanks for the inspiration!

[anouksy]

Think you hit the nail on the head buddy when you transitions from reading about it to doing stuff.
Tech and design are practical worlds. Prove to me that you can do the job! Do your own side project, launch it on kickstarter, take an existing product and do user testing on it, there are a gazillion ways to do the work before having the job, and it will be so much more appreciated than a "certificate" of an online course in UX or a masters!

[Rivamus]

Dude I LOVE the Starbucks research idea. Great out of the box thinking! I am in the early stages of a career change from teaching into UX. I will be exploring the other videos on your channel for sure.

[liviaassuncao]

Kevin, you have no idea how watching this video was important to me. I have a bachelor's degree in Biology too and a Masters degree in History and Philosophy of Biology. But I really want to change my career and UX research seems a good fit for me. Thanks for doing this video!!!

[astaa]

I’m coming from psych/ social work and counseling. I feel like I’ve burned out but it’s also not stimulating to me. I looked into ux and I was like- yes- something that will keep me learning, engaged and I can actually see the product of my work. Anyways I’m just starting. I am looking for a boot camp for knowledge and experience. So ya; that’s where I am now. I’m so happy to see people like you make these videos that are relatable but also helpful. Here’s hoping things change soon w the work I put in.

[tulasideviful]

You're hilarious and humble. I'm over 50, transitioning from teaching English literature and copyediting (read bookworm who got tired of being broke) to hopefully becoming a more prosperous product designer.

[Aki-wqxh]

Asian here, and a therapist. Whole life of being in mental health. This is super inspiring for me. Thanks!!!!

[Shixotales]

Thank you for sharing your story. Truely inspiring.