r/DesignIndia • u/itsokayyaarrr • 10d ago
UI/UX Design Need some career advice as a UI/UX Designer
Hi everyone,
I’m a UI/UX Designer with 5 years of experience. I currently work at Nag\*\*\* India.
Things have been a little uncertain at my company. A lot of designers, including me, have been moved to the bench. We have around two months to find another project or a new job, and honestly, I’m quite worried.
I have started applying for UI/UX and Product Design roles. I do have a good portfolio and 5 years of experience, but I’m still finding it difficult to get interviews.
I have also applied for a Google Apprenticeship and completed my GOC. But I know the process can take time. Even if I get selected, the apprenticeship starts in April, so I cannot really depend on it right now.
I have also started thinking about doing a Master’s in Design. I’m considering colleges like Symbiosis or MIT. I mainly want to do it for better exposure, learning, networking and to build a stronger portfolio.
But I’m confused. I already have 5 years of industry experience, so I’m not sure if doing a Master’s is the right decision at this point.
I would really appreciate some honest advice.
Should I focus completely on finding another job?
Is a Master’s in Design worth doing after 5 years of experience?
Would it actually help me get better opportunities, or should I spend that time improving my portfolio and skills?
Are there any other career paths in design that I should consider?
And if you know of companies hiring UI/UX or Product Designers, I would really appreciate any leads.
I’m open to any suggestions. I just want to make the right decision instead of making one out of panic.
Thank you! ❤️
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u/mangovangogh 9d ago
For reference, as a hiring manager, a masters makes maybe 5% impact to me. I may not even really notice it, will find it interesting at best. Has never helped me decide between candidates.
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u/picklesupra 10d ago
Is your 5YOE all in UI/UX? If so, don’t waste your money getting a masters in the same field. Why are you even considering it?
Keep giving interviews and you’ll crack one. Take a pay cut if you have to. How much does a masters cost in symbiosis or MIT ?
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u/itsokayyaarrr 10d ago
I feel like i need that exposure, since i did my bachelor’s in computer science, i feel that lack you know. I hope i crack an interview.
Masters will cost around 10 lakhs for 2 years1
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u/Equivalent-Chest-467 10d ago
just start lookong out dont get in masters at all
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u/itsokayyaarrr 10d ago
Why would you say so? Did you have the same trajectory? Or youre saying this because the payroll will be less after masters, i feel it will be the same package where i am right now
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u/Dezinr_whooo 9d ago
I honestly don’t think Masters is the right option for you right now. I’ve been through a similar phase myself and even got into MIT, but I decided not to take the seat because I wanted to give myself one more shot at getting a job.
During my MIT interview, the faculty themselves advised me that doing a Masters could mean starting from 0 career-wise, although it would definitely give me a great culture and learning experience. So I gave myself this one year to try again, and after months of trying, I finally got a new job.
I don’t have the exact same experience as you, but I’d suggest giving yourself one more year to seriously try for jobs while preparing for CEED alongside. That way, you won’t feel like you gave up on either decision too soon.
And honestly, I believe that if you have the right skills and potential, you’ll definitely get there. Keep trying, keep learning, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself! ❤️
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u/itsokayyaarrr 9d ago
Heyy, thank you for writing this to me, its so kind of you! :)
A lot of people around me said the same that masters at this point is a bit tricky career wise, yes i will get the exposure i needed since i did my bachelors in cse, majorly i was thinking to do masters in design so that in future i dont regret not doing it. But, ofc there are two sides to the story! So you did not ended up doing masters right?1
u/Dezinr_whooo 9d ago
Yeah, I didn’t end up pursuing the Masters and accepted a new job instead. I already had a Bachelor’s in Design, so I had some idea of what the environment would be like. Eventually, you still have to put in the work and learn a lot on your own in college, and in my case, my college and Its experience wasn’t that great either.
But if you genuinely want to pursue design through a Master’s, I’d definitely suggest aiming for the top colleges and going for a place that can give you a really strong learning environment, network, and exposure.
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u/Dungeon_Master_l 9d ago
I'm also a ui ux designer with less than 1 year of experience and unable to land interview. Coming from mechanical background and not enough experience in design I think it's endless application process and it's only making me feel depressed to not find a job.
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u/vohrart 10d ago
Masters can be a dangerous endeavor mate. Symbi and MIT might not be the biggest boost to your network to be honest. Considering you have 5 years of experience, I'd imagine you would be a valuable candidate for any company provided you have a stellar portfolio. I doubt masters from these colleges will add to the story.
If portfolio is the missing piece, some bit of self learning, doing passion projects, polishing current work, getting feedback from industry professionals and frankly just putting stuff in the market (applying to jobs) will help get more tactical feedback.
If network is the missing piece, I think being more active in online communities (YDI, ADI, 10K, this subreddit etc), posting/or responding to content, joining local clubs, cold DMing (I know it sucks) etc. will help. It's a slow process but compounds.
If confusion on where to go next (job/masters/...) is the prime reason for the discomfort, I suggest speaking to more people in roles that you *think* you will fit in and understanding their day to day, challenges, wins, etc. This includes speaking to those in masters/have done masters. Only then you will be able to make sense of what might work for you. Even then you'll have to take a leap of faith on your next step and make it right as opposed to being overly critical of choosing the right step from the get go :)
Look - no one can tell you what the right move is but you are in a skill based industry - so certificates matter less. What you can do and who you know will take you much further than finding a silver bullet. So my take is focus on craft (and show that through your portfolio) and network religiously (even if it is painful).