The Journey One Year Post Google UX Design Certificate

First, it’s crucial to note that time moves forward regardless of whether you choose to embark on a new venture today or delay it; a year will pass either way. Here’s a glimpse into my experiences over the past year.

I often wish I belonged to the group of individuals who see their earnings skyrocket fivefold upon completing a UX Design certificate, but the truth can be quite different.

It's important to remember that this is solely my journey; others might experience different outcomes, with progress occurring at varied speeds. However, persistence is key.

In 2021, I made the decision to become a UX Designer. I was venturing into uncharted waters without any colleagues in the field or connections to help me secure a position. Everything began from scratch.

Like many newcomers, I opted for the Google UX Design certificate offered through Coursera.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Certificate

How long did you take to complete the course? I completed the certificate in about three months, dedicating myself to it full-time. The course is extensive, consisting of 200 hours of content plus reading materials, and typically spans six months.

Would you recommend it? I always encourage pursuing new courses, regardless of your interests, but I advise focusing on one topic at a time. You can read my comprehensive review of the Google UX Design certificate here: My review on the Google UX Design certificate.

What Happened After Completing the Certificate

Upon finishing the certification, my first step was to seek feedback on my projects.

Requesting feedback can feel like a harsh reality check, as it often reveals areas in need of improvement. However, it’s a necessary process that can also be rewarding.

Industry professionals can spot aspects of your projects that you might overlook, so ensure you consult the right individuals and gather diverse perspectives. Be cautious, as some might discourage you unnecessarily.

Diligently working on improving your design skills and embracing feedback is merely the beginning of your journey.

> “Being inexperienced is the only path to achieving success.”

Most Frequently Asked Questions:

Did you pursue any additional courses? Yes, I did. I wanted to stay immersed in UX Design, maintain my motivation, and gain team experience, which my next course provided.

However, this doesn’t imply that you require another course; it highlights the importance of continuous learning and practicing new projects.

After finishing the certification, actively seek feedback and identify the areas you need to enhance.

For me, those areas were UI Design and product strategy, so I enrolled in another course to improve my skills in those aspects.

What’s Next?

I felt prepared to embark on my job search, only to face another dose of reality.

Having a certification and knowledge may still not suffice to land your ideal job; starting small is essential, especially if you’re transitioning into a new career.

The job search in the tech sector can be challenging. You may receive several offers, attend numerous interviews, and still find yourself without a job at the end of the month. This was particularly true for me in the early stages.

> Don’t be discouraged if your path takes longer than your peers; persistence is crucial.

I often found myself seeking higher-paying roles, unwilling to accept less than my previous salary.

I wish I could share that my career transition was smooth and that I quickly regained my previous earnings, but switching fields can be a demanding process. While I’m not suggesting it’s impossible, it has taken time for me to achieve my previous level, and that’s perfectly fine.

Do I regret my career change? Absolutely not. I found what I was seeking: geographic freedom. I now reside in luxurious Airbnbs with ocean views and explore a new surf city every month. I truly enjoy this lifestyle.

Reflecting on my journey, I would have pursued any UX Design role, regardless of salary, and figured things out along the way. That’s essentially what I ended up doing. If you wait too long, you risk wasting time that could be spent gaining valuable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Job Hunting in UX Design

For further insights, I’ve written a detailed article about my experiences during my first ten interviews: After going through 10 UX interviews, here is what I learned—feel free to save it for later.

Did I land a job?

I secured a job seven months after starting my certification, which means it took four months post-Google certificate completion and one month after my next course.

I must admit that the process could have been faster had I not been overly selective.

During this period, I also turned down a solid job offer because I was waiting for a better opportunity, which contributed to the delay.

However, the second company (the one I was holding out for) canceled the position—a common occurrence in the tech industry. Sometimes, roles are posted in anticipation of investor funding, which may or may not materialize.

So, after losing that opportunity, it took me over two months to find employment. Now, I work for a major tech company, where I engage in software design and other responsibilities that will benefit my future.

Additionally, three months later, I landed a six-month project that involved everything from product discovery to prototyping and included extensive research.

In summary, I have no regrets about taking the course. If you find yourself currently unemployed, I highly recommend starting to learn something new. Employers greatly value candidates who are proactive, pursuing education, and taking steps to advance their careers.

Nevertheless, there are numerous things I would have approached differently, which may have led me to a better position today. One such decision would be to accept the first opportunity available simply to obtain the UX Design title.

What Would I Do Differently for Better Outcomes in My UX Career?

Upon entering the job search process, I discovered various expectations for candidates vying for positions. I’d like to share these insights with you.

Ultimately, the best strategy is to embody the qualities and skills that employers seek. Here’s what I found:

1- Experience: This might seem contradictory since entry-level applicants are expected to lack experience, but companies often seek real-world experience, even for junior roles.

It’s crucial to gain practical experience, even if it means working on projects independently.

This leads me to my article titled: How I got my first real UX Design project- 3 proven strategies. Feel free to bookmark it for later reference.

2- Graphic Design Skills: Although I personally disagree, many companies prioritize these skills in UX Designers. Proficiency in tools like Photoshop and Illustrator is often expected.

While I believe UX Designers should focus more on user experience than graphic design, many companies will depend on you for these tasks, so it’s wise to be equipped to deliver.

3- Portfolio: A standout portfolio is essential, especially as the number of UX Designers continues to grow. Your portfolio should showcase your best work, including design, research, product discovery, and other relevant skills.

As unrealistic as it may seem, I often see visually striking portfolios performing better than straightforward ones. My advice would be to incorporate more aesthetics into your portfolio, even if they are challenging to implement, as this will attract more attention. I would have made this adjustment to my portfolio if I could revisit the past.

Conclusion

A lot has transpired since April 2021, when I decided not to move to Uruguay with my ex without a job. I also aimed to embark on a new career path. The pandemic was nearing its end, but challenges persisted.

I immersed myself in UX studies, understanding how much I dislike relying on others. I didn’t want to exhaust my savings following someone else's journey, even if they were well-intentioned.

Instead, I took the initiative to forge my own path, and now I am back on the road. I continue to aspire to be among the best in this field. While I still have a long way to go, I take steps every day toward my goal, and I adore this new adventure.

Living by the beach, enjoying flexible hours, and experiencing true freedom are all aspects I treasure. I am passionate about my work, and I strive for excellence, as it aligns with my happiness.

Taking that first step into a new career was worthwhile, though it is no walk in the park. Like any career, it demands effort, starting from the ground up, and persisting through challenges.

The only way to draw closer to your aspirations is to take that initial step.

So, what does your ideal life look like, and what actions can you take to move closer to it? What steps did you take today to advance?

While you need not share your thoughts with me, jotting them down or contemplating them could be beneficial.

Thank you for reading, and remember to take action afterward.

If you need assistance, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.

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See you in the next article.