User experience design jobs offer the opportunity to work in an in-demand role that allows you to combine your creativity with technical and analytical skills to improve the user experience for websites, apps, and products! If you’re interested in starting a new career in the field, here’s what you need to know about becoming a UX designer and finding the right UX job for you!
What is user experience (UX) design?
User experience design is the process of designing products and sites with the end-user in mind to create an engaging and easy-to-use experience. User experience design, often referred to as UX, is focused on ensuring high-quality interactions for customers and clients with apps, websites, and products.
Through research, analysis, and testing, UX designers work to create an engaging user experience and takes into account things like the usability of a site or app, how useful the information displayed is to the consumer, the desirability of the site or product, brand recognition, and overall performance.
Typical user experience design could consider factors like how easy it is for site users to access relevant information or the online checkout experience so the company they work for can best understand and fulfill the needs of their users and customers.
What do UX designers do?
User experience designers are responsible for
UX designers complete a range of tasks in order to create the most compelling and usable website, content, and products for the end users – potential clients, business leads, or customers.
On a day-to-day basis, UX designers will find themselves meeting with clients or internal project stakeholders, creating new designs based on the needs of users and the company, designing prototypes and wireframes, and presenting concept designs to stakeholders.
Most designers in the field should have a number of skills that can help them be successful at the job, including
Is UX design a good job?
Over the last few years, the demand for skilled UX designers has continued to grow as more companies rely on digital experience to attract and retain customers. In fact, many companies that didn’t previously employ user experience designers in their marketing or web development departments have begun to do so!
According to an Adobe study, 87% of managers surveyed said they planned to hire more UX designers as a top staffing priority, while 73% said they want to double the number of UX designers in their company over the next several years.
Besides being in demand and offering a variety of job opportunities in a number of diverse industries, being a UX designer can pay well! In 2022, the average salary for a UX designer was $77,307 per year.
How to get an entry level UX job
If a job that combines analytics with creative design sounds perfect for you, becoming a UX designer could be the right career move. To start an entry-level job in the field and find a UX job that fits your goals, follow these steps below.
1. Learn essential UX design skills.
UX design is a field in which you may not need a college degree to start an entry-level job. However, you can’t just pick up UX design skills on the job. To start a career in the field, some education and training can be a huge benefit. Besides helping you build essential skills needed for the job, you’ll have a certificate or diploma that shows potential employers you know what you’re doing.
If college isn’t the right path for you, online UX design training programs can help you take the first steps toward learning fundamental skills in a shorter timeframe through career-focused classes.
2. Find a UX design mentor.
A mentor isn’t always necessary to help you find your way in the UX field, but a strong mentor can provide guidance and networking opportunities. With a UX design school like the New York Institute of Art and Design, you can build your industry skills while connecting with mentors who have real-world experience.
3. Know your industry tools.
Understanding how to use common industry tools will be important when you’re looking for a UX design job. While companies may have different tools they want you to have experience with to qualify for a job, some of the most popular include Adobe XD, InVision, and Figma. Each offers different benefits and drawbacks but having at least a foundational understanding of several of them can help you stand out when applying for jobs.
4. Create a strong portfolio.
UX design is a creative career, so employers will want to see examples of your work as part of the application and hiring process. Before you begin applying for jobs, make sure you have a strong portfolio ready to drop into applications. Today, most employers prefer a digital portfolio over a hard copy, so make sure you set up a website or digital portfolio that can be shared by linking to it.
Your portfolio will include things like projects you’ve worked on, designs you’ve created, and highlight the skills you’re exceptional at.
5. Job search.
With so many remote work opportunities out there due to the changes from the pandemic, there’s plenty of opportunity to find UX design jobs around the world. When searching for a job, use sites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed to help you start your search. Make sure to research companies you’re interested in before applying to really understand what they’re looking for from a UX designer and what the company can offer you.
6. Update your resume and apply!
Once you’ve found some jobs you’re interested in, it’s time to get those applications in! Make sure your resume is updated to reflect any UX design experience, include a link to your portfolio, and list relevant skills and certificates that can help you stand out from other applicants.
Start a new career in UX design with NYIAD
Prepare for a new career you’re passionate about with NYIAD! Through our online UX Design Program, you’ll build the fundamental skills you need to take the first steps toward a job in the field including how to use Adobe XD, create mockups and prototypes, and how to create a UX design portfolio. For more information on the program or to get started, reach out to our helpful admissions team at 1-800-583-1742 today!
