5 Hurdles to Overcome When Switching to UX Design

Are you feeling stuck in your current career? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many people find themselves wanting to switch professions for various reasons like unmet expectations, shifting priorities, or chasing a long-awaited dream.

But, let's be real, change is never easy, and making a career shift can bring up a lot of doubts, fears, and challenges.

However, it's important to remember that transitioning to a new career can also be an exciting opportunity for growth and development.

With the right guidance and support, you can overcome obstacles and make your career dream a reality.

That's why we've compiled a list of the most common challenges people face when pivoting into a UX Design career. You'll be one step closer to achieving your dream career by learning how to overcome these obstacles.

So, don't let fear hold you back – take the first step today!

1) Insecurity about a new industry

Feeling insecure about leaving a familiar market and entering a new segment is one of the common challenges when switching careers. Not knowing if there is a future or prospects in the market you want to migrate to is a constant insecurity.

However, this challenge can be overcome with research, data, and information about the market. Look for reports and research from reputable institutes in the field. Stay up-to-date with trends and what's happening in the market. Information is the best solution to end insecurity.

For UX Design, the news is great: the market is growing. In fact, the projection for 2050 is that there will be 100 million people working with UX.

Companies are becoming aware of the benefits that UX and Product Design brings to their business.

As a result, the demand for professionals in this field is increasing. Even with the 2020 pandemic, the outlook remains positive for the coming years.

This is because companies are becoming more digital and seeking professionals who meet these expectations.

Reading tip: Tips and Strategies to Transition to UX Design – Interview With Vanessa Sousa

2) Lack of academic background or experience

Switching careers may mean moving to a completely different profession from the one you graduated in or currently work in.

If you want to change to a new area, you must be willing to learn.

However, you may not necessarily need a 4-year academic course. Depending on the field you want to work in, several online courses can help you in a shorter time frame. The most important thing is to be determined and open to learning.

Going back to studying may seem like a setback, but it is not. From the moment you are willing to take on this challenge, you will be more committed to doing something you want.

It is important to exercise patience and understand that each step taken is part of a strategy.

If you desire to switch careers to UX Design, lacking a background in Design is not a bad thing. It can actually be a unique advantage when it comes to getting hired.

"I graduated in psychology, and worked in the field for a while, but it wasn't what I wanted. I decided to switch and enter the UX Design field." – Inis Leahy.

2019 Product Design Hiring Report, by InVision

The InVision research shows that UX Design professionals with experience in other areas are highly valued. In addition, soft skills such as communication and teamwork are also highly valued.

Reading tip: Do I Need a Design Background to Switch to UX?

3) Not knowing where to start

Starting from scratch can be overwhelming, especially when you're contemplating a career change and thinking about all that needs to be done.

To better understand where to start, it's useful to listen to the stories of people who have been in the same situation.

Building a network and having references can be very helpful for this process. By talking to other professionals, you can gain insight into the skills required, the initial steps, and potential challenges you might face along the way.

Being part of a community can be crucial for sharing experiences and staying motivated. Knowing you are not alone in facing difficulties and insecurities when changing careers can help you stay calm.

Our Bootcamp MID students form a community that shares ideas and experiences with one another daily.

Additionally, the MID course provides all the support you need with experienced UX mentors.

4) Taking a step back in your career

Transitioning to a new career can be daunting, as you may need to accept lower job positions and salaries before reaching higher levels.

This can be a scary prospect, especially when you have an established career and salary. But to overcome this challenge, you need to think in the long run and consider the benefits of switching careers, even if it means taking a temporary step back.

Patience is key, and avoiding rushing things is essential. While this challenge is real and difficult, there are some professions where career growth and salary increases can happen quickly due to a rapidly growing market.

According to a report by InVision, salaries for Product Designers have increased over the last two years, and the size of design teams within companies has also grown.

5) Staying humble while learning new things

When we've been working in a profession for a long time, we tend to think we know everything about it. After all, we've become experts by putting in years of hard work.

But when we transition to an entirely new field, we have to start from scratch and admit we don't have all the answers. This can be intimidating, and it takes humility to embrace the learning process.

To overcome this hurdle, it helps to keep the big picture in mind.

Remember that changing careers is a long-term goal that you've planned and prepared for. It's natural to take a step back before moving forward. Don't be afraid to let go of your expertise in one area and dive into a new subject. And once you're in the new field, embrace the learning curve and commit to staying up-to-date on the latest trends.

In some industries, like technology, learning is a constant and essential part of the job. Things change rapidly, so you must stay humble and curious to keep growing.