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The first 4 months as a full-time UX Designer: 3 learnings for Juniors
A few days ago, I passed the probation period in my first full-time UX Design job in a bank, making it a good time to review and reflect on my experiences.
On top of my new job, I also signed a contract with the startup where I had my summer internship. Working for a large company and a small startup is fantastic for me as I can get to know both environments. If I get stuck in one workplace, I focus on the other, gaining more ideas and confidence to tackle the challenges.
For me, UX Design is a wonderful world with never-ending challenges and learning opportunities. There is a strong sense of purpose, especially as I work on projects that make the life of others easier and better. I am incredibly grateful that my work environments are healthy and caring.
One reader asked if I felt relieved after signing the full-time contract. Well, not really. Transitioning to a new career is never easy, and the struggle doesn’t disappear after landing a job. Instead, a new set of struggles emerge. Therefore, I introduce 3 struggles that I didn’t fully expect or wasn’t even aware of.
If you wonder how I got to this point, check my article Career transition to UX design in 11 months: my story and 7 pieces of advice. Long story short: lost career in tourism -> Google UX Design Certification -> Hackathon -> Internship -> Full-time + contract jobs.
Imposter syndrome
When I got the job confirmation call, a dose of adrenaline, joy and relief rushed through my veins. And, unfortunately, the imposter syndrome crept in as well. I felt like a fraud with self-doubt already 3 weeks before starting. During the first week, when sharing my first opinion on a design issue, there it was — the overwhelming feeling of Holy****, I am a designer. Even though I led the UX process during the summer internship.
My fears of messing things up were multiplied as I am 100% responsible for a large project without graduate transition or any previous work to follow up with. I considered myself a Junior. And as a Junior, I was thirsty for action but as the project is a giant well of responsibilities, it got overwhelming to take any action. I froze. The imposter syndrome often invites its…
