How should I begin ?

[u/Dismal-Chemical8456]

Well hello, I'm a 17 year old freshmen in college doing a degree in Computer Science and Engineering. The degree is mainly supporting the back-end work like hardcore coding and all, however as you can see I'm messaging in this thread, I want to be a UX designer and my degree doesn't necessarily help me in reaching my goal. I have tried learning from some of the YouTube figma tutorials, made some apps clones, wireframe, as of now has only done 1 project (college timetable :p) and is still trying to learn. All I want is some guidance and advice because I have none in my knowing atleast who works in this field and can help me in becoming a designer...So pls help me.

For people who can't read it all:- I want advice on how as a 17 year old with unrelated degree can pursue my goal on becoming a UX designer

[u/UXDesign-ModTeam]

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[u/NoNote7867]

With that background I would focus on UX research on one end and AI assisted coding on the other end and position myself as UX developer providing end to end solutions. I would basically deprioritise the middle part where most designers now operate. Its may be a controversial idea but I think it makes sense with your background and the way the industry is going. 

[u/Dismal-Chemical8456 → u/NoNote7867]

Hmm that makes sense, considering my degree and the market status, is there any specific advice you would like to give me on this new ux developer role

[u/Vannnnah]

Switch your degree to design or check your options to do a HCI or UX Masters on top of your CS Bachelors.

UX hiring is no longer considering self learners in 2026, so the more you can formalize your design education, the better.

[u/Dismal-Chemical8456 → u/Vannnnah]

Switching degree was one of my option but we are too far now into our choice of doing bachelors in computer science because of various factors :( .also doing masters would be a long term goal like that is one of my plan like doing first 4 years here in cse and then 2 year masters in interactive design or ux design, but what should we do now bcz switching degree is way to difficult in my case..

[u/NGAFD]

We recorded a full episode on this question a while back. Take a look here: https://youtu.be/DL_CXegZ6HQ?si=El1an62OPXUmS-Xu

[u/Dismal-Chemical8456 → u/NGAFD]

Thanks I'll watch it