Improve your chances of success in your UX/UI career
I have been working as a Product Designer for 10 years, designing experiences for millions of users.
I have also worked for top tech companies in the UK. In fact, I have invested so many hours into mastering my craft that I am now teaching over 100 designers to do the same.
Want to know one of the most important things that helped me reach where I am today?
Setting career goals.
I set my first 2 career goals during my first job as a Junior Product Designer:
Goal 1: To be able to work through an entire project from start to end without guidance or support.
Goal 2: To earn over 6 figures in 6 years time (I was earning £30,000 at the time).
These goals guided my actions and decisions during the first few years of my career.
I’m certain I wouldn’t have made the same progress without setting these goals.
I’m not saying these were the best goals to set. But I had something to aim towards.
Designers often don’t set a clear goal or direction for their career. Leading to scattered effort.
This is inefficient and it will ultimately take you longer to get to where you want.
A lack of direction in your career can double or even triple the time it takes you to achieve your desired success.
Here are 4 steps I used set my goals and create a plan:
Research different roles
Reflect on your current situation
Set goals based on the gap between your current and your desired position
Review often
Stage #1: Research different roles
Often, we’re not sure what options are available for us. Starting with this is important.
Research the different jobs you could consider within the Design industry (Product Designer, design systems designer, content designer, product manager, motion designer etc.)
After selecting a few interesting roles, identify the day-to-day responsibilities by speaking to designers in those roles or looking at job descriptions online.
✨ This process makes you aware of the different career options that you may not have been aware of
Stage #2: Personal analysis
It is time to look in the mirror and understand your existing skill set and expertise.
Avoid making assumptions about your abilities - get feedback from others (your manager, colleagues).
List what strengths and weaknesses you have.
✨ This helps you understand the gap between where you are now and where you need to be.
“I don't care how much power, brilliance, or energy you have if you don't harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there, you're never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants.” — Zig Ziglar
Stage #3: Goal setting
Now, it’s time to fill the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.
Start by documenting your high-level goals for where you want to be in 5-10 years (you’ll find it easier to do this now that you understand the options you have).
Break these down into smaller chunks to know what to achieve each year.
Take this year’s goal and break that down further into quarters so you know what needs to be done every few months.
✨ This will help you understand what actions you need to take in the next few months.
Stage #4: Evaluate and adjust
Remember, none of this is set in stone. The rule is to adjust when you need to
Reflect on your progress often. I review my goals twice a year.
You will gain new information, and things will change, so adjust your goals based on this.
✨ Remember, this approach gives you some guidance based on thought and logic to ensure you’re moving forward. It isn’t to force you down a path you may no longer want to take, so remain flexible.
Final thoughts
Planning your career goals isn’t easy.
It requires time and effort.
However, the outcome far outweighs the time and effort it takes.
Spend some time this week doing some of these activities.
Don’t make the mistake of moving through your career with no plan to follow.
You will only realize the negative consequences of this in 5-10 years.
It will then be too late.
P.S. I suggest sharing this analysis with your manager to demonstrate your commitment to your career growth.
Managers will support those who show they are dedicated to development more than those who don’t show it.
So demonstrate you are serious about this.
