7 Myths About Starting a Career in UX

Introduction

You've probably heard that a career in UX is a dream job. And it can be! But there are a few things you should know before you make the jump.

In this article, we'll dispel some of the most common myths about starting a career in UX. We'll also give you some tips on how to make the most of your skills and land your dream job in UX.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's get started!

Myth #1: I Need a Design Background to Get Into UX

That's not actually true! While a design background can certainly be helpful, it's by no means a requirement. There are many different paths you can take to break into the UX field.

Some of the most common routes include:

• User research: This involves studying and understanding how users interact with technology or digital products.

• Information architecture: This involves organizing and designing the structure of websites or apps.

• Interaction design: This is all about creating smooth, intuitive user experiences.

So if you're interested in UX but don't have a design background, don't worry—there are plenty of other options available to you.

Myth #2: I Need to Know How to Code to Be a UX Designer

You definitely don't need to know how to code to be a UX designer, but that doesn't mean it's not a valuable skill to have. In fact, coding skills can come in handy when you're designing prototypes and wireframes.

But that doesn't mean you can't become a successful UX designer without them. There are plenty of other skills you can focus on instead, like user research, interaction design, and information architecture. With enough practice and dedication, you can definitely become a successful UX designer without coding skills.

Myth #3: I Need an Expensive Portfolio to Get a Job in UX

Don't let this myth hold you back! You don't need an expensive portfolio to get a job in UX. In fact, most potential employers will be more interested in the work you've done, not in how flashy your portfolio looks.

Your portfolio should be tailored to the job you're applying for, so make sure to showcase the projects you're most proud of. And don't be afraid to get creative with your presentation—a simple PDF can be just as effective as a fancy website.

So don't let worries about your portfolio keep you from starting a career in UX. The best way to learn is to get started, and we're here to help!

Myth #4: I Need to Be an Expert in All Areas of UX

The fourth myth on our list is that you need to be an expert in all areas of UX in order to get started in the field. This couldn't be further from the truth!

While it's true that there are many different facets to UX, you don't need to know everything before you can get started. In fact, becoming a well-rounded UX professional is a process that takes many years.

What's important is that you have a solid foundation in the basics, and that you're continually learning and growing your skillset. There are always new tools and methods being developed in the world of UX, so it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends.

So if you're feeling overwhelmed by all there is to learn, don't worry! Just take things one step at a time and focus on building a strong foundation.

Myth #5: I Can't Get a Job in UX if I Don't Have Experience

The fifth and final myth we're going to bust is the idea that you can't get a job in UX if you don't have experience.

This one is a little more complicated, because it's true that most jobs will require some level of experience. But that doesn't mean it's impossible to get your foot in the door.

There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of landing a job, even if you don't have any previous experience in the field. First, make sure your portfolio is up to date and showcases your skills in a variety of areas. Second, reach out to people in your network and let them know you're interested in UX and looking for opportunities. Finally, consider taking on some freelance projects or internships to gain some real-world experience.

Doing these things won't guarantee you'll get a job, but they will help you demonstrate to potential employers that you're serious about pursuing a career in UX and have the skills and drive to succeed.

Myth #6: All UX Designers Are Extroverts

This one is definitely not true! In fact, I would say that the vast majority of UX designers are introverts. And there are a few reasons for this.

First, introverts tend to be excellent at listening, and this is a critical skill for UX designers. We need to be able to listen to our users and understand their needs.

Second, introverts are often very good at problem-solving. We like to think things through before taking action, and this helps us come up with creative solutions to design problems.

And last but not least, introverts tend to be very detail-oriented. This attention to detail is important in UX design, as even the smallest details can make a big difference in the user experience.

Myth #7: I Can't Change Careers Into UX if I'm Over a Certain Age

The final myth we're going to bust is the idea that you're too old to start a career in UX. This couldn't be further from the truth!

While it's true that the average age of people working in tech is around 30, there are plenty of people over the age of 40 who are doing just fine in their careers. In fact, some of the most successful UX designers are over the age of 50!

So if you're thinking about making a career change into UX, don't let your age hold you back. As long as you have the right skills and a willingness to learn, there's no reason you can't succeed in this field.

Conclusion

UX is a field that's constantly evolving, which means there's always something new to learn. If you're thinking about a career in UX, don't let these myths hold you back—do your research, get experience however you can, and be prepared to always be learning.