Honest Talks: switching to UX: Getting Started, Pressure to Succeed | from a FAANG UX designer
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- I'm Sharon, an incoming UX designer at Amazon this summer :) what's the hardest part of switching to UX for you?
I wanted to enter FAANG since 2020. It's been almost a full 2 years since I decided to transition from fashion design to UX design, and it's been really hard! Nice to see all the shiny parts of succeeding, but it's also been a LOT of persistence.
Everyone's story is different, hopefully, we can have more conversations and encouragements to each other in this journey :)
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To note, for the bootcamp mentioned above I may have personally used and enjoyed before being approached with a custom affiliate link with them. Therefore, I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
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☝️ UX Portfolio website:
www.sharonyeunkim.com/
💌 Let's connect on Linkedin! (do send me a note : ) )
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⏰ Timestamps:
My intentions: (00:00)
How I got into UX: (00:50)
Pursuing FAANG: (03:55)
How I Learned UX: (05:25)
Structuring projects for FAANG: (07:36)
Tip, when struggling: (08:49)
Staying Motivated: (10:11)
Pressure to Succeed: (11:49)
Struggles of Finding Internships: (12:47)
The Only Thing You Need: (13:17)
Applying to FAANG: (14:40)
Reflecting back: (15:09)
Working Hard vs Burnout: (16:14)
Think this to stay motivated: (17:29)
What I'm up to: (18:22)
" There are at least 10 persons right now within your position, they don't know what they are doing. They juat started or switching majors, switching careers but they were able to get what you want to get as well ".
Honestly, I am frekin scared, lost and feel hopeless right now since I am not from Western developed countries but from a country of South East Asia even the country is overall blocking my whole life, career right now. I am so frekin worried that I cannot take my classes with my mind clam, keeping myself talking back in my head like, "What if you never succeed?, What if you are like lost even after all the months and years you take? What if you can't get out of this position?". But thankfully to God, I found your channel and you are just like the source of my motivation. You literally are. Every video you make helps me with my axciety, stress and there's tons of precious content and stuff in there. I just can't thank you enough. if I get to a place where I want for myself, 50% of my credit goes to you. Thank you 🧡
Damn. This comment. Appreciate you. My absolute pleasure- everything will work out for you!!!
@@sharonyeunkim I thank you from the bottom of my heart and🧡I wish your day be much more brighter and beautiful for all the goodness you did.
@@dokedoke0426 are you Indian? guessing from your "Southeast Asian" mention
Like she said it’s a numbers game. I’m on the other end of the spectrum w 200+ applications. I’m a bootcamp grad, 3 month freelance w a startup, many portfolio and resume revisions, and still can’t get even recruiter screenings. A lot of this industry gets glamorized on social media so I’m just a reality check. Keep going!
^^ to add on my brother was also a bootcamp grad but for something else. He applied over 500 times before getting an interview. Literally, numbers game!!!
Really needed to see this. Thank you so much for the insight behind your journey
I appreciate people like you soooo much. You're helping me more than you know. THANK YOU SO MUCH
Can't believe I found this video. This was literally what I needed to hear since I'm trying to become a product designer myself (from 0 experience). Thank you for making this!!
I love your videos, thank you so much for the content that you have uploaded! Excited to watch more from you! Keep up the grind!!
🙆🏻♀️💗✨
This is what I needed to hear today!!! Thank you, Sharon, and please continue to inspire people!
My pleasure Jama!! Here for you :) are there other topics you’d like to see? Always open to taking video suggestions!
So inspiring to hear your story and your courage to just keep on at it in spite of all your apprehensions! All the best for an even brighter future.
We’re in this together Asha! 💗
Thank you for sharing your process and being so transparent to the ups and downs of it all! :))
And thank you for watching :)
You constantly amaze me with the clarity with which you approach things.. Keep rocking!
I appreciate you! Thank you Bhargavi!!!
Hi Sharon, love your storytelling and thanks for sharing your UX journey! I'm also going through this transition within my current fintech position, without any traditional education in Design. I'm encouraged by your story as I was a bit anxious about dipping my toe into something quite unfamiliar. I agree, there's always an opportunity and God is the ultimate authority that opens doors.
Thanks Sharon for sharing ❤ We need more videos of your journey
Let me know what else I can show for you! ❤️
This was so helpful and insightful. Thank you for posting this content.
really appreciate these videos, i'm also switching to UX design and this has been really been helping me with my portfolio :)
I’m so glad to hear I can help :) is there anything specific you’d like to see? I’m always open to taking video suggestions!
Thank you for sharing Sharon. It is so inspiring.
❤️
I needed this so badly today. Thank you for sharing❤
💗💗💗
12:41 Whoa! This is me...see?! I knew you would have the content I'm looking for. I'm literally about to binge-watch during my breaks between this UX Design course. Your transparency is everything! 🙌🏽
All love for you Danika!!!! Best of luck :)))
Thank you for sharing! I just got started with Springboard and was struggling coming up with THE idea for Capstone Project 1. Like you said just knowing it would take up a majority of the course I was putting so much pressure on myself to get it right even though I don’t know what I’m doing quite yet.
Yeah, it’s a lot. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and look at examples!
Just wanted to know I respect you a lot and thank you for sharing your story.
You should be a motivational speaker. I feel so after watching this video and more at ease embarking on this new UX journey, specially with so many unknowns. Thanks for sharing your story!
HAHA I don’t think I can, I’m too shy- lol. But so glad to hear you feel more empowered on this new UX journey! And thank you for the kind words ☺️
This was what I absolutely needed. I am a cook, have failed over 6 years of college attempts. Now I find UX and it seems like it might be a fit for the way I think.
There were a lot of unspoken negative emotions that I have been feeling that you helped me put words to about considering this degree. The discouragement I've been wading through has been crushing beyond my capacity to articulate.
yeah I relate to how you feel. The idea you're making such a major switch is enough to scare anyone. I would reframe that fear as excitement and a SIGN you are growing since challenging situations cause you to grow.
I appreciate how vulnerable and open you were because i have seen people glamarise the ux field which makes me feel like i am totally lost and doing it wrong(Mostly after receiving so many rejections)Thank you for creating such informative content.
:,) here for you ❤️ are there other contents you’d like to see? Always open to suggestions :)
Thankyou for sharing your experience. I am also coming from Knitwear Design background and after 3 years of confusion and lost. I started my UI/UX journey in December. I am preparing my portfolio rn and your video came up at the best time possible. 💜💜
Glad I can be there for you!! Keep on moving!
Hi Sharon, I came across your channel feeling absolutely inspired and emotional. I graduated back in 2020 at Pratt for Architecture and worked as architect for 2 years. For the similar reasons like yours, I decided to change my career to UI/UX design a month ago at age fo 29 !!!! As I'm currently going through this transition period I feel terrified and lost. However after watching your IBM case study video and this one I feel very hopeful and encouraged. You are certainly a brilliant young women and there are so much I can learn from your videos. I just want to say a huge thank you for the great contents, and I will be sure to check out all of your videos during my study time. Enjoy your last semester at Parson and happy new year !!!
Wow thank you so much for your note Jeremy!!! It really means a lot to me- frankly I still struggle to think if I’m a good enough designer as there is always so much to learn. Your comment made my day :) thank you!
Lmk what topics you’d like me to cover.
I've been struggling to tackle this UX transition on my own for the past 5 months now and it has been truly so discouraging and lost. But every time you post a video, I feel so heard and inspired! Thank you for being so transparent on youtube about your journey!
Aw thank you! That really means a lot. Just glad to know I got to help :)
Let me know any video suggestions you have :)
thanks for sharing your journey so far :) It really been helping people like me who are currently changing their career paths♥️
And thank you for being apart of the conversation :)
Thanks for sharing your experience ❤️ there is lots of people like me who really wanted this ✌️
I’m so glad to hear that!
Thanks for sharing this I think most of us needed this.
Glad we are in this together 💗
I started bAWLing when you started talking about being given that one chance and how you made it to where you are right now, i'm so so happy for you :") i recently ended my traineeship as uiux designer and have been trying to land a full time position for about 2-3 months and like you said, it's been discouraging and it kind of snowballs into self-doubt a lot of times. and you know this is full circle moment for you because now i'm looking at you being at an amazing place and thinking if i can reach that level heheh but your content has been so helpful so thank you for doing what you do
Glad I can be here! Yeah- real talk it can rough. Let me know if you have any questions 💗
@@sharonyeunkim thank you 😭 and all the best with your role with Amazon now!! ♥️
I've just been lightly researching about UX and the tech industry in general. Your videos have been unbelievably helpful! You sound so professional you've come so far already so to hear that you also struggled at first is extremely encouraging! Thanks so much for putting yourself out there I'm sure you're going to be extremely successful but most of all enjoy your journey!
I echo your sentiment! Her videos are incredibly encouraging, I agree. Best of luck!!
😭😭😭 that is SO kind of you thank you!! This comment brought a smile to me face. Thank YOU for continuing to encourage me to create. I will remember this! Would love to connect on LinkedIn :)
Thank you. @ Christian
@@sharonyeunkim Ahh Im glad haha! Honestly you're doing great. 👏🏾 And yes for sure!
Love following your journey (: God sees your hard work!!
I appreciate you :,)
I’m struggling in my UX journey but seeing your vulnerability and openness is really giving me motivation to keep going. I’m going to continue to praise God🙏 Jesus take the wheel 🤍
Struggling is a necessary step in the process. Trust it! It’s a great sign!! ✨
You deserve this role girl. You worked hard for it
Thank you!!! I’m very grateful!!
I love your videos. I'm trying to get into UX design. I have a portfolio but I'm so shakey on what it needs. I started out as a graphic designer. I literally connected to you on linkden lol you are amazing girl!!!!!
So nice to be connected with you!!!
Hi, Sharon! I've been watching your channel for awhile and I just feel so seen! I am a college student who switched from being a Fine Arts major to majoring in Information Technology the Spring semester of my sophomore year. I put together a (really rough) case study, took an Intro to UX course online, and got my first UX internship at my school. The long nights perfecting your case studies/portfolio, constant research/looking on Linkedin and Cofolios-I feel you! I am inspired by your story and your drive to break into this field. So real when you talk about just needing "the one yes"! It's easy to develop imposter syndrome during this process, but I take steps to be the best designer I can be one day at a time. I'm now a rising senior and currently applying for summer internships and I would love your advice + feedback!
About to start a bootcamp on careerfoundry. Moving away from teaching/education. I have dipped my toes in UX before and have done web design as a hobby since I was a kid. My dad used to teach me basic HTML/CSS and designing simple webpages way back in the day on our big bulky old desktop computer. 😂 I have a lot of anxiety of getting into that insanely competitive job rat race, especially since I am on kind of a time crunch to make this switch happen. Praying it will work out just as it's meant to.
thanks for sharing your journey
❤️✨
Very inspirational. Thank you.
and thank you for watching Quanny!
Thanks for sharing Sharon. It’s not easy being vulnerable on camera. What do you think was the issue for not getting those first interviews that you applied? Waiting for the next video as always!
Hey Gabriel, yeah that’s a great question. I think in general that recruiting stage recruiters want to skim and pass through applicant ms really quickly, so if u don’t have a “brand name” internship-or internship at all for the at matter, that’s an immediate red flag to them- telling them you don’t have what it takes. Which sucks because it’s as if u can’t get hired to get experience because you don’t have experience, lol.
After I got just that first internship at Colgate though, nearly every company I applied for afterwards offered me interview. Facebook, Amazon, IBM. It sucks, but all this to say when first starting you need to submit literally like 100 applications just to get that ONE to start. Things will pick up quickly from there afterwards imo.
Thank you, Sharon. I am in a similar situation that you were in 3 years ago. I'm basically disillusioned with my degree - I'm in the honours course for psychology, but I don't think I'll be able to go into clinical psychology like how I originally planned to due to various reasons. I'm currently taking an UX certification from Google and while it's quite fun and interesting, I'm always feeling a bit desperate whenever I do the course. I don't think my major will offer me a safe and steady job in the future and I'm throwing everything I got into the UX course. One segment of the course takes 3 weeks to finish, but it took me 3 days to finish. On top of irl uni stuff I'm also feeling a bit burned out. Your video is a good reminder for me to just chill and take it slow.
Hey, sorry you were feeling burnt out! Yes, challenging yourself is good but never force yourself outside of a healthy limit :// you’re going super fast with Google! I hope that turns out well :) At the same time I will say since you did mention “I’m throwing everything I got into the UX course” I would consider taking a more intensive bootcamp such as Springboard as although I see Google’s certificate a good step for beginners, I find it hard to believe you can create a stellar portfolio out of a simplified course within this increasingly competitive space.
Hey Sharon! Thank you so much for your reply, it means a lot to me! The Google certification is the only one I could afford as the Springboard one is too expensive and beyond my budget. I’m definitely worried on how well my current program will prepare me for a job after I finish, but I think it’s definitely better than nothing and it still gives me pretty good guidance on stuff like UX research and how to network properly. I’m fully aware that outside of this course I’ll also have to work hard to compensate for any areas that the course might not have sufficiently covered. Hopefully I’ll be fine? As someone who has an art and research background, I hope the transition won’t throw me off too much.
@@candypop217 Hi Candy, I’m doing the UX course by Google too. I’ve been following Aliena Cai on YT. She finished the UX design course by Google and she has great content about UX, advices on resume/portfolio and tips during interviews that you might be interested to watch. All the best!
This is so inspiring for me right now.... especially that reverse engineering part is so true!
!! :)
thank you so much for sharing. I'm a newish UX student and this gave me some really helpful perspective about how much work it is. I do feel like I struggle with the creativity aspect but you're so right about the beliefs. I wonder if you have any videos about how you journal and what your journal includes
my pleasure! for sure, I feel like I struggle with it as well but thinking about it more as a thoughtful process may make it seem less intimidating.
I don't have any videos about how I journal but I can definitely make one! What about my journaling appealed to you? Like goal setting or focus? (so I know how to articulate/present it)
@@sharonyeunkim thanks for the reply!
As for journaling, I think I was interested in the way you set your intention, and I'm also interested in how you tackle your beliefs, keep a strong mindset, and yes, stay focused. I think setting goals is part of it, but I'm curious about what else you do behind the scenes that contributes to your overall success haha
@@goldenraisins love it! Yeah, I could def try to do a non-tech video to show more behind-the-scenes/productivity mindset things. Thank you for the suggestion! I love it!
Hi Sharon,
I just want you to know how thankful some of us are for putting such a heartfelt video out there. I've seen multiple portfolio presentation tutorials/software tutorials of UX designers that are working on ground, but very rarely have I seen anyone talking of what challenges they faced to reach where they are. I can relate with this so hard because I come from a Fashion Design background from a very reputed university of my country. One year into working as a Retail designer, I was hammered and completely dissatisfied with the course of my career trajectory. I couldn't for the life of me imagine myself 10-20 years done the line getting paid pennies for literally working my ass off with zero job perks.
I was working as a print designer but the feeling of being constantly reduced to someone who's only making minor color changes here and there for 200+ designs a day made me absolutely miserable. I wanted to work at a job that had a meaning. Where my work is treated serious and my contribution is deemed as important. Right now I'm in the process of transition, I'm applying for UX masters in the USA and working on my portfolio. I don't know what lies ahead of me, but I definitely know I want to look back to a life where I'm able to take design decisions that could make lives easier of the millions living around the world.
Oops, I may have ranted a bit too much sorry for that lol. Thanks for making this video, thanks you a million times :) Lots of love
No thank you for sharing!! I definitely relate to that and it’s nice to see how similar our journeys are :) best of luck to you in your new studies! I hope you get accepted!
@@sharonyeunkim Will definitely update you here if I do end up getting accepted. Thank you. By the way, do you mind sharing your linkedin profile. It would be great to connect :)
Hey! I have the same story.
Which country did you apply for masters?
Where are you from?
Hi Sharon! Thank you so much for sharing your story! I’m currently in a design bootcamp for UI in CareerFoundry. And I was feeling like I was going too slow (I was finishing projects pretty slowly in the beginning) and I felt really bad.. will I get a job? How common IS IT for bootcamp grads to get jobs. I also took a gap year, i was in grad school, finished a year and now took the gap. But thank you so much for saying that it’s okay to feel lost!! That eases me a lot lol
Yeah it’s absolutely okay! Being lost just means you’re in new territory hence more opportunity to grow from~ it would be rather strange to not feel lost if you’re learning something completely new
Hey Julia, how is careerfoundry? i am supposed to start next month and i am pretty nervous about it
THIS EXPERIENCE IS ABSOLUTELY SIMILAR TO MINE. THIS IS MY 5TH MONTH BEING IN THE UX JOURNEY😪
So great. I support you. I pray that God's blessings be with you
Amen!
Hey Sharon I am just curious to know how long it took you to finish the bootcamp. By the way great video! 😊
Hi Sharon, I’m currently doing the UX design course by Google. I’m on the last course and it takes a lot of perseverance to push through. I have the same mindset as you when it comes to doing my best. I was studying for approximately 9-10hrs a day and it reached to a point where I could no longer think clearly and I was getting anxious about pretty much everything. Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s definitely reassuring to hear others stories, struggles and experiences. All the hard work will eventually pay off and it will all be worth it.
It’s totally normal! We’re in this together. You got it :)
Hi Sharon! I wanted to know what you’re doing to balance UX and school during the semesters ?
Hi! Im currently doing a master in research and design and was thinking of going into the ux industry once Im done with it. I was wondering if I should take the google certificate or do another master specialized in ux design (it would be a bit more long to do it 1,5 years against 6 month) do you think it’s worth it ?
Thanks alot Sharon for this honest truthful insight
I am just starting my journey in the field
I know how badly I desire to have this career
Working my ass off which get overwhelming
Thanks alot for this💜
you got this! And my pleasure :)
Hi, love! So I'm a Mass Communications major but I've been recently interested in UX Writing and UX Research because I have noticed similarities in what those particular jobs do and what I am currently studying. Do you think it would be worth it to still apply for a UX design program? I ask because I don't know what it takes to make my resume look competitive enough for the internships. I'm also an Electronic Media and Film minor, so I'm getting more familiar with Adobe and a few editing/design software, but not UX specific software. Do you have any advice for me?
I would definitely recommend a course or program in UX so you can receive a formal education In that.
Before that learn/watch Figma tutorials on CZcams for free in the meantime and just keep watching free content to get assimilated :)
Sharon, What was your plan B whether you didn't go for bootcamp. How about UX self-taught plan!? cuz I tried to reach a boot camp out but there is no chance and now I feel like I have to taught my self!?
Definitely as many free courses or CZcams videos as possible. Then I would offer to pay someone for UX feedback because although it’s not free good feedback matters- and the sum of mentorship funds would still be cheaper than a bootcamp.
you sound normal at 1.5xspeed !!! BTW thanks for awesome content.
😉❤️
I just discovered UX writing as a career path and your video popped up. I'm a bit older than you and have been in a totally different career and it's overwhelming for me to think of all the steps I need to take to transition into Tech. But one day at a time. And if its in God's will, it will happen. Which FAANG company do you work for?
Yes one day at a time! And I work at Amazon :)
Hey! How are things going? Here I'm also trying to switch to a completely different career
Right now I'm applying all over the net but i think somehow I'm unable to crack any interview yet any master tip you want to give me?.
POV:- I'm a newbie in this field and completed a course of 3 months.
Hello Sharon, please where do you host your portfolio on?
Squarespace! I made a tutorial on it on my channel to make your portfolio website :)
God is good. So inspiring
🙌
how did you convince your immigrant parents to switch to a bootcamp? I am really considering leaving college for a short time to see if this UX career can really work out. How would you go about this?
I think showing them other success stories may help. I felt the same way but if you show them a solid plan and expected outcome it can prove to them you’re serious about your goals. It’s definitely not traditional to take a break from college to do a bootcamp- but it my opinion it’s not about what’s traditional, but about what works.
real.
💗
it's funny how a scammer like Dan Lok influenced you to make a good choice
Don’t really follow him anymore but Lowkey yeah LOL
Girl I love you and your videos. You give me the courage to pursue UX 🤍
Love you too ❤️
Hey Sharon, you made me cry while watching this(because I can relate to all of your hard work and worries that you've been through). 🥲 I'm currently in UX bootcamp and trying to land a job. I'm in the final stage of the interview process which is a design challenge, and I have to say I will try my best for this. I really love this job and this company, so I have to say I'm gonna be really sad if I can't make it. But your video really motivates to look at this opportunity as a great practice(that's what I've trying to tell myself too). Anyway, Thank you so much Sharon 😘
All love for you. !