7 answers
Xue
Student
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
1
Question
Asked
2409 views
Is UX design a oversatuarated industry to choose?
Hi! I am a new master graduate in chemical engineering, living in Canada. I'm also a international student.
However, I almost have no interest in this field and due to covid-19, most of the oil companies are laying off people rather hiring. This makes me to change my career. I'm interested in design all the time and I want to be a UX designer.
However, when I was doing my research, I saw one comments in a youtube video, which says, "UX Design is a highly sought-after career that literally anyone without a degree can get into. This creates a highly saturated market that makes it literally impossible to get into because there is always someone with "a little bit more experience." UX design is necessary, but it is also a trendy career prospect that brings in any type of applicant. It's a slippery slope. UX boot camps are creating an additionally large influx of UX want-to-bes and are only exacerbating this issue. UX boot camps are there to milk the UX education cash cow and are not concerned with graduates painfully struggling to find first-time jobs in a market that is already oversaturated."
Now I'm worried. I don't want to waste one year to learn and then struggled in the same state as I'm today---NO JOB IN MARKET.
Can you get me some your advice? Or where should I get the most realsitic facts about the market? As a beginner, I don't know what kind of opinion should I believe since I know nothing about it.
Thank you so much for your answer. Your opinons are important to me.
#UXdesign #design #technology #career
Login to comment
7 answers
Rahul Ramath
Product Designer
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Rahul’s Answer
I so agree with Marie's answer here. I consider Design as a way of thinking addressing the core problems by keeping people at the center and always taking like a whole systemic point of view for problem solving. So learning that approach (we in industry call it design thinking process) can help a lot in necessarily every field (and probably a necessity in solving big problems like education, healthcare, poverty, civic design etc because all these problems are inter-disciplinary. ).
And what's great about this field is that it attracts people from all kinds of disciplines because everyone can bring a unique perspective to the table and that's an important factor in your case because your background in chemical engineering might be more of a positive in this field (you will give a unique perspective that others can't think of).
Now to answer your question on whether it's an oversaturated industry - Yes and No.
Yes because there are limited number of jobs (mostly in tech) and a lot of people have shown interest in the field.
No because there is still a LOT (like a LOT) more need for good designers in every industry (including tech). The problem is that most companies or organisations don't really understand the need of it yet. Once the leadership realizes in these organisations, the need for designers will grow a lot (and maybe the role of designers will change as well).
And what's great about this field is that it attracts people from all kinds of disciplines because everyone can bring a unique perspective to the table and that's an important factor in your case because your background in chemical engineering might be more of a positive in this field (you will give a unique perspective that others can't think of).
Now to answer your question on whether it's an oversaturated industry - Yes and No.
Yes because there are limited number of jobs (mostly in tech) and a lot of people have shown interest in the field.
No because there is still a LOT (like a LOT) more need for good designers in every industry (including tech). The problem is that most companies or organisations don't really understand the need of it yet. Once the leadership realizes in these organisations, the need for designers will grow a lot (and maybe the role of designers will change as well).
Thank you very much Raul! It gives me much much courage.
Xue
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
232
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Xue,
I agree with the assessment you saw on Youtube. UX Design (or design in general) is a field that someone with no degree can get into. Yes, there are camps, but they teach you so little that most candidates I interviewed that took the camps didn't have enough experience to compete with people who spent years in that field. I would ask you a few things:
1. What do you find yourself doing during the hours where you're not studying or working? There might be something that you're passionate about that might be worth pursuing.
2. If you find yourself interested in design, what have you designed? Do you have enough to start your portfolio with it? If so, that's awesome, and maybe you should pursue it, since you obviously love it. If you don't, why do you think you're interested in design? What do you love about it?
3. If the petroleum industry's decline is a longterm one, are you sure you don't want to look into a similar field, such as green-energy production (like solar panels, wind, etc)?
4. If you're a masters student, are you sure that the petroleum industry will pick right back up if there's a vaccine that is found for COVID19? I mean, most everyone still drives cars, and most of those cars are still gasoline cars... Also, most electric plants in the US are still natural gas plants that will not be fully phased out any time soon. Maybe you should still pursue your masters since it'll be a few years until you have your masters degree and those companies may be hiring by then?
Anyways, I wish you the best of luck and hopefully my questions/comments were helpful to you.
--
Dexter
I agree with the assessment you saw on Youtube. UX Design (or design in general) is a field that someone with no degree can get into. Yes, there are camps, but they teach you so little that most candidates I interviewed that took the camps didn't have enough experience to compete with people who spent years in that field. I would ask you a few things:
1. What do you find yourself doing during the hours where you're not studying or working? There might be something that you're passionate about that might be worth pursuing.
2. If you find yourself interested in design, what have you designed? Do you have enough to start your portfolio with it? If so, that's awesome, and maybe you should pursue it, since you obviously love it. If you don't, why do you think you're interested in design? What do you love about it?
3. If the petroleum industry's decline is a longterm one, are you sure you don't want to look into a similar field, such as green-energy production (like solar panels, wind, etc)?
4. If you're a masters student, are you sure that the petroleum industry will pick right back up if there's a vaccine that is found for COVID19? I mean, most everyone still drives cars, and most of those cars are still gasoline cars... Also, most electric plants in the US are still natural gas plants that will not be fully phased out any time soon. Maybe you should still pursue your masters since it'll be a few years until you have your masters degree and those companies may be hiring by then?
Anyways, I wish you the best of luck and hopefully my questions/comments were helpful to you.
--
Dexter
Thank you so much Dexter! Thanks for your sincere answer.
For your questions, firstly, I have lots of interest in my spare time, including baking, fitness, photographing, browsing instagram and pinterest for inspiration, etc. I think I love things which are beatuiful. Howver, making a interest or hobby to a career is very challenging. I think the most important reason I choose UX design is it is trendy, which means I might be able to make a living by this.
( I can't comment more than 800 characters so I spilt it two. Please review another one as well.)
Xue
I just started taking courses on coursera about UX design so I don't have anything ready to build my portfolio. But I have some experience in making powerpoint slides, which is also related to design. And I just started selling powperpoint slides online. Thus, I think, yes, I do have passion about it. ( So sorry, two is not enough. One more.)
Xue
I do have some questions about this topic.
1. As you said, most applicants lacked experience to compete with other people. Is there anything I can learn to solve this problem? What do you think you should improve about? What should I do to avoid this problem?
2. How about the market right now? If it is true that this market is oversaturated, is that because only a few people who have the ability to get the jobs or, because everyone is so excellent but there is no such big need to have so much designer?
Thank you again for your answer. I highly appreciate it.
Xue
1. Yeah, you need a strong portfolio to do well in this career. So you need to start making that now. Personal projects, volunteering with nonprofits, and school projects all count. As a hiring manager, I'd give the most amount of credit to volunteering work, as that's most "real-life".
Dexter Arver
2. If you're better than the other candidates, it doesn't matter if the market is saturated. So if you're passionate about it (and good at it), just go for it. I can however tell you that there are tons of really talented UX designers that I know of that are having a difficult time getting the few gigs that are available (most job openings I've seen recently are for senior UX designers, not the entry level). Most are senior because most corporations find entry level UX designers through internships, so if that's available to you, I'd pursue that route.
Dexter Arver
Thanks very much. It is very helpful.
Xue
You're welcome. :D
Dexter Arver
Marie Ramos
Web Designer
1
Answer
Brownsville, Texas
Updated
Marie’s Answer
Just a note to add to Dexter's great response. Positioning will also matter. I don't believe UX knowledge will ever be a waste of time. Over saturation or not, it is a useful base to start from. Chances are as you study new avenues of possibility will open up. Jobs that don't necessarily have "UX Designer" as part of the job title such as Industrial Designer, Product Designer, Content Strategist, Information Architect or Experience Designer. Think of UX on par with learning to drive a car–once you learn it can take you many places!
Thank you very much! Driving a car is a great example!
Xue
A Y
Product Designer
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
A’s Answer
Hello Xue,
It's an advantage to lean into your other experiences in UX design — or design in general, it can really help you stand out amongst other candidates. Almost every industry is creating digital products nowadays, so while UX might be saturated, it also makes it easier to find UX roles within a specific industry that would be a perfect complement with your past experiences.
Echoing other posts, your knowledge in chemical engineering would be valuable for companies focused in the oil, bio-tech or pharmaceutical space.
It's an advantage to lean into your other experiences in UX design — or design in general, it can really help you stand out amongst other candidates. Almost every industry is creating digital products nowadays, so while UX might be saturated, it also makes it easier to find UX roles within a specific industry that would be a perfect complement with your past experiences.
Echoing other posts, your knowledge in chemical engineering would be valuable for companies focused in the oil, bio-tech or pharmaceutical space.
Roy Rivera
Training Manager
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Roy’s Answer
Hi! My recommendation is to purchase subscriptions to InVision, SnagIt, and Sketch. These are the basic tools that you can use to develop your ability to imagine what a software's user interface could be like. Give yourself simple design goals like, how would I could I improve Google's home page's look and feel. Using those tools you can create prototypes that can be the beginning of your portfolio. Or design a new look to a software tool that is commonly used in the petro chemical industry. This type of initiative will be noticed in a job interview.
Arah Bahn
User Experience Research and Design
6
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Arah’s Answer
Hi Xue:
I agree with much of what is in the prior responses. I want to add this, related to Marie's list of related titles. You may want to think more about what interests you about "UX Design", as the UX work you said you've done looks to me to be more specifically graphic or communication design.
UX design is more about learning about the intended or potential users of your product, and then using that information to create a solution to the problem or need that they have. And then testing your solution to see if you nailed it, and sticking with it if you didn't. This is why there's a blossom of titles (most ending in architect or strategist) in UX that go outside of just "designer."
Most UX designers I know aren't just the makers of things, but also the researchers, strategists, and testers, depending on the project. Do you have a curiosity about human interaction that may help you be a true designer of user experiences?
I think you might, if you've enjoyed any aspect of your engineering schooling. Also: you may be able to leverage that. There aren't that many UX designers with chemical engineering backgrounds, but I'll bet there are digital (and otherwise) experiences that oil companies or related industries may need creation or optimization, with your help.
Good luck to you!
Arah
I agree with much of what is in the prior responses. I want to add this, related to Marie's list of related titles. You may want to think more about what interests you about "UX Design", as the UX work you said you've done looks to me to be more specifically graphic or communication design.
UX design is more about learning about the intended or potential users of your product, and then using that information to create a solution to the problem or need that they have. And then testing your solution to see if you nailed it, and sticking with it if you didn't. This is why there's a blossom of titles (most ending in architect or strategist) in UX that go outside of just "designer."
Most UX designers I know aren't just the makers of things, but also the researchers, strategists, and testers, depending on the project. Do you have a curiosity about human interaction that may help you be a true designer of user experiences?
I think you might, if you've enjoyed any aspect of your engineering schooling. Also: you may be able to leverage that. There aren't that many UX designers with chemical engineering backgrounds, but I'll bet there are digital (and otherwise) experiences that oil companies or related industries may need creation or optimization, with your help.
Good luck to you!
Arah
Thank you so much Arah! Very inspiring answer. You really open a door for me.
Xue
Steven Hartwig
UX Designer
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Yes it's definitely an oversaturated market - mostly because of years of bootcamps promising "six figures in six weeks! The dream job you've always wanted!" which creates a large amount of junior designers without a rich set of experience. BUT it's not impossible to break through - if you start doing freelancing projects on the side pro bono, self driven projects, improving existing products on your own - there's ample opportunity to generate your own experience and become a well rounded designer without an "official first job"