Why I work with UX Designers
Hey there Reader,
Would you believe my first design job was at a travel agency? Oh yes! I was studying business administration and selling vacations to pay the bills. My boss found out that I had been tinkering with building websites a bit and asked me if I wanted to switch to taking care of the agency’s online presence — I was hooked instantly. The ability to connect with people across the globe and earn your living as a creative problem solver still amazes me to this day.
A lot has changed since then, and I couldn’t be happier about what I do now.
After my last employment as a full-time manager for a UX team, I took a long, hard look at my career, what I had achieved, and what I had struggled with. This moment of reflection let me realize two things. The first was that I had no intention of moving up the ladder any further, and the second was that, for me, it had always been about working with inspiring, creative, and driven people. My job as a manager was exciting because I got to build systems enabling UX professionals to perform to the best of their ability, grow in their skills, and have fun along the way.
As you know, UX design has this fantastic chance to impact how we use systems and experience the world around us, but building a successful career path in this field without losing your passion or burning out along the way is hard. So, I have decided to focus on the best part of management for me in supporting UXers.
Here are some things I am committed to (and who knows, maybe you are too):
Connecting through conversations
Exchanging with peers on topics you are passionate about can be powerful in many ways. Opening up new perspectives, giving or receiving advice or even ranting together. I always want to be open to engaging with the UX community.
Sharing from experience
Those of us who have achieved success in our careers are responsible for sharing what we have learned along the way with those who come next. At times, we may be able to guide, and at other times, we can prevent others from repeating our mistakes.
Continues learning beyond the craft
UX and the organizations we work in are evolving constantly, and with them, we get to grow and learn new things every day. I refuse to be content with “this is how we have always done things …” and strive to learn from and with the community of my peers for as long as I get to be in this field.
Serve and support
As a leader, manager, or coach, you must help others find their path by serving their strengths and supporting them in overcoming their challenges. Leading isn’t about you; it’s about guiding others.
How about you? I’d love to hear what keeps you engaged in UX.
Please reply to this email and let me know.
Thank you for being a part of the crafting UX careers crowd.
Have a great day!
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Marvin Olukayode Hassan
UX Design Manager & Career Coach
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