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Your UX Career Is a Product – with Sarah Doody of Career Strategy Lab

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Summary

In this article, Sarah Doody, a former history professor turned UX researcher, explains her decision to leave academia and pursue a career in the private sector. She provides practical advice for researchers considering making the same transition, and encourages them to think of their career as a product.

Q&As

What motivated a former history professor to transition from academia to the private sector?
The former history professor was motivated to transition from academia to the private sector due to the potential for greater job satisfaction and career growth.

What advice does the former professor offer to researchers considering a similar transition?
The former professor advises researchers to consider their skills and interests, and to research the UX industry to determine if it is a good fit. He also suggests networking with UX professionals and attending industry events to gain insight into the field.

What unique skills can researchers bring to UX businesses?
Researchers can bring their knowledge of research methods, data analysis, and communication skills to UX businesses.

How can researchers increase their chances of finding success in a UX career?
Researchers can increase their chances of finding success in a UX career by gaining experience in the field, such as through internships or freelance work, and by continuing to learn and stay up-to-date on industry trends.

What strategies can people use to find the right UX job for them?
People can use strategies such as researching the UX industry, networking with UX professionals, attending industry events, and gaining experience in the field to find the right UX job for them.

AI Comments

👍 This article provides meaningful insight into the decision making process of one individual and provides applicable advice for researchers looking to make a similar transition.

👎 The advice given in the article is limited to the experience of one person and may not be applicable to all researchers considering leaving academia.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about a former professor who left academia for UX research in the private sector. He shares his advice for researchers who might be considering a similar move.

Friend: Interesting. What implications of the article do you think are most noteworthy?

Me: I think the most important implication of the article is that the career of a UX researcher should be treated like a product. The article stresses the importance of having a long-term plan and understanding one's goals before making a major career transition. It also stresses the importance of considering the potential risks and rewards that come with such a move. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of networking and leveraging existing relationships to open up new opportunities.

Action items

Research the UX field and the different roles available to gain a better understanding of the industry.
Reach out to professionals in the UX field to gain insight into their experiences and advice for transitioning into the field.
Develop a plan for transitioning into the UX field, including setting goals, creating a timeline, and researching potential employers.

Technical terms

UX Career: UX stands for user experience, and a UX career is a career in user experience design. This involves designing products, services, and experiences that are easy to use and enjoyable for users.
Academia: Academia is the academic world, which includes universities, colleges, and other educational institutions.
Private Sector: The private sector is the part of the economy that is not owned or controlled by the government. It includes businesses, corporations, and other organizations that are owned by individuals or groups of individuals.
Research: Research is the process of gathering information and data in order to answer questions or solve problems.
Transition: Transition is the process of moving from one state or situation to another. In this context, it refers to the process of leaving academia and entering the private sector.