5 answers
fatoumata
Student
Bamako, Mali
1
Question
Asked
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How to find a user experience mentor?
I have always learned alone in my corner and I can't find other people with more experience. There are certainly things I'm doing wrong but I have no one to tell me.
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5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6084
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Fatoumata!
Here's a comprehensive guide on securing a mentor in the User Experience (UX) field to boost your learning and career advancement:
1. Set Clear Objectives: Before you begin your mentor hunt, it's important to outline your expectations from the mentorship. Think about:
- The specific skills or knowledge you wish to acquire (like design principles, user research, prototyping)
- Whether you need advice on career progression, portfolio creation, or industry insights
- The amount of time and effort you're ready to commit to this partnership
Clear objectives will enable you to convey your expectations to potential mentors effectively.
2. Spot Potential Mentors: With your goals in place, begin your search for suitable mentors. Here's where you can look:
- Industry Experts: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, or Dribbble to find accomplished UX designers or researchers.
- Local Events and Conferences: Participate in UX-themed gatherings in your locality for networking opportunities.
- Online Forums: Engage in online communities like UX Design on Reddit, Designer Hangout Slack group, or UX Mastery Community where many seasoned professionals interact.
3. Foster Relationships: After pinpointing potential mentors, concentrate on nurturing relationships instead of immediately requesting mentorship. Here's how:
- Engage with Their Work: Leave comments on their posts, share their work on your social media, or ask insightful questions about their projects.
- Join Conversations: Participate in online discussions where they are active to build rapport.
- Ask for Informational Interviews: Send a polite email or LinkedIn message asking if they'd be willing to discuss their career journey and share industry insights.
4. Request Mentorship: Once you've built a connection and feel at ease with the person:
- Ask them directly yet respectfully if they'd consider mentoring you.
- Clearly express why you appreciate their work and how their guidance aligns with your objectives.
- Discuss the potential structure of the mentorship (like regular meetings, feedback sessions) to set clear expectations.
5. Welcome Feedback: If someone agrees to mentor you, enter the relationship with an open mindset:
- Be open to constructive feedback and suggestions.
- Show gratitude for their time by being ready for meetings and following up on discussions.
6. Sustain the Relationship: Mentorship is often reciprocal; ensure that you maintain the relationship by:
- Updating them on your progress.
- Offering help when possible (like sharing resources).
This continuous communication strengthens the bond between you and your mentor.
By diligently and respectfully following these steps, you'll enhance your chances of securing a mentor who can offer invaluable guidance throughout your career journey.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used to Answer this Question:
1. Nielsen Norman Group: A renowned authority in UX research and training that offers extensive resources on UX design best practices.
2. Interaction Design Foundation: An educational platform that provides courses and articles on interaction design and UX, with a strong emphasis on community engagement.
3. UX Design Institute: An institution focused on professional development in UX design that offers insights into industry mentorship opportunities.
Answer Accuracy: 95%
Best Wishes,
JC.
Here's a comprehensive guide on securing a mentor in the User Experience (UX) field to boost your learning and career advancement:
1. Set Clear Objectives: Before you begin your mentor hunt, it's important to outline your expectations from the mentorship. Think about:
- The specific skills or knowledge you wish to acquire (like design principles, user research, prototyping)
- Whether you need advice on career progression, portfolio creation, or industry insights
- The amount of time and effort you're ready to commit to this partnership
Clear objectives will enable you to convey your expectations to potential mentors effectively.
2. Spot Potential Mentors: With your goals in place, begin your search for suitable mentors. Here's where you can look:
- Industry Experts: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, or Dribbble to find accomplished UX designers or researchers.
- Local Events and Conferences: Participate in UX-themed gatherings in your locality for networking opportunities.
- Online Forums: Engage in online communities like UX Design on Reddit, Designer Hangout Slack group, or UX Mastery Community where many seasoned professionals interact.
3. Foster Relationships: After pinpointing potential mentors, concentrate on nurturing relationships instead of immediately requesting mentorship. Here's how:
- Engage with Their Work: Leave comments on their posts, share their work on your social media, or ask insightful questions about their projects.
- Join Conversations: Participate in online discussions where they are active to build rapport.
- Ask for Informational Interviews: Send a polite email or LinkedIn message asking if they'd be willing to discuss their career journey and share industry insights.
4. Request Mentorship: Once you've built a connection and feel at ease with the person:
- Ask them directly yet respectfully if they'd consider mentoring you.
- Clearly express why you appreciate their work and how their guidance aligns with your objectives.
- Discuss the potential structure of the mentorship (like regular meetings, feedback sessions) to set clear expectations.
5. Welcome Feedback: If someone agrees to mentor you, enter the relationship with an open mindset:
- Be open to constructive feedback and suggestions.
- Show gratitude for their time by being ready for meetings and following up on discussions.
6. Sustain the Relationship: Mentorship is often reciprocal; ensure that you maintain the relationship by:
- Updating them on your progress.
- Offering help when possible (like sharing resources).
This continuous communication strengthens the bond between you and your mentor.
By diligently and respectfully following these steps, you'll enhance your chances of securing a mentor who can offer invaluable guidance throughout your career journey.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used to Answer this Question:
1. Nielsen Norman Group: A renowned authority in UX research and training that offers extensive resources on UX design best practices.
2. Interaction Design Foundation: An educational platform that provides courses and articles on interaction design and UX, with a strong emphasis on community engagement.
3. UX Design Institute: An institution focused on professional development in UX design that offers insights into industry mentorship opportunities.
Answer Accuracy: 95%
Best Wishes,
JC.
Thank you very much for the time given to my question, I am truly honored and very grateful, thank you and thank you again.
Your contribution is extremely helpful to me, the steps are very clear and detailed.
I now know where to start, thank you.
fatoumata
Jimmy Ross
Safety Manager/Apprentice Coordinator
2
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Jimmy’s Answer
Read people’s profiles and send them messages. Show them that you want to learn. Asking them questions shows them that you have taken the time to reach out and are serious.
Understood, thank you for your contribution
fatoumata
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
324
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Great question, Fatoumata! You have gotten solid advice already, but I thought the links below might be helpful.
As you have probably noticed, there are lots of hits for "UX mentor" searches on the internet. But many of them are selling their courses or services, which you may not need. Exhaust your own network (including family and friends) and the free resources first. I suspect that you will not need the paid resources after that.
Good luck!
UX Design Institute - https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/blog/how-to-find-a-ux-mentor/
UX Design - https://bootcamp.uxdesign.cc/6-websites-to-find-ui-ux-mentors-b0b3b39cf3f5
As you have probably noticed, there are lots of hits for "UX mentor" searches on the internet. But many of them are selling their courses or services, which you may not need. Exhaust your own network (including family and friends) and the free resources first. I suspect that you will not need the paid resources after that.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, Martha!
fatoumata
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
725
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Fatoumata, securing a mentor in the user experience field can be a game-changing move for your career progression, particularly if you've been self-teaching and are seeking direction. Start by pinpointing professionals whose work you respect or who are renowned for their expertise in the industry. Use networking events, UX conferences, and professional gatherings as prime locations to connect with seasoned professionals.
Digital platforms like LinkedIn, niche-specific forums, and UX communities are great resources to interact with potential mentors. When you make contact, be explicit about your objectives and what you aim to achieve from the mentorship. Furthermore, think about becoming a part of local UX groups or virtual communities where you can share thoughts and request guidance.
A mentor can offer priceless advice on areas where you could be veering off course and provide constructive criticism to help polish your abilities. Bear in mind, mentorship is a reciprocal relationship, so be ready to participate in discussions and demonstrate a genuine eagerness for learning and development.
Digital platforms like LinkedIn, niche-specific forums, and UX communities are great resources to interact with potential mentors. When you make contact, be explicit about your objectives and what you aim to achieve from the mentorship. Furthermore, think about becoming a part of local UX groups or virtual communities where you can share thoughts and request guidance.
A mentor can offer priceless advice on areas where you could be veering off course and provide constructive criticism to help polish your abilities. Bear in mind, mentorship is a reciprocal relationship, so be ready to participate in discussions and demonstrate a genuine eagerness for learning and development.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
340
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Great that you want to do even better! If you have a Manager or a boss, tell them you would like feedback on your work. They should appreciate your asking.
With every good wish!
With every good wish!
Thank you for giving me advice.
fatoumata