New year, new you: setting career goals as a product/UX designer

The new year is the perfect time to set career goals. When I first started as a designer, I struggled to set realistic career goals. However, I've learned from personal experience and advice from my mentors, and I've since refined my approach. Here's how I structure my goals, a method I'll continue to use this year:

Start with a Self-Assessment

Identify your strengths and areas for improvement in UX design by referencing your company's or other tech companies' career ladders. Most organizations with a mature design practice have well-defined career ladders or level frameworks (like the Figma product design levels and the Snagajob design team levels framework) where you can understand the expectations for each design level. Remember, each organization defines its levels differently. For example, a Director of Design at a startup might be the sole designer, whereas a Director at a large tech company might manage a team of 50 designers and spend most of their time strategizing UX and driving changes in UX practice within the organization. It is important to take the nature and the size of the organization into consideration when you read these frameworks.

Besides formal design career frameworks, evaluate your passions and interests. Ask yourself questions like, "What aspects of UX design do I enjoy most? Is there a particular industry or type of product I'm passionate about? Does my current company provide enough support for me to grow my career? Do I enjoy designing the products I am tasked with at work?"

Research the Industry

Stay updated on the latest trends in UX design and job market needs. This will help you figure out which skills you want to acquire and prepare for a job hunt or the future in general. It will also help you set realistic expectations. I find it useful to look up other designers' career paths on LinkedIn for inspiration.

Define Your Vision

Consider where you see yourself in 2-3 years. Do you aspire to be a Senior UX Designer or a UX Manager? Which sector do you want to work in? Consider what gives you satisfaction. Is it creating impactful designs, leading a team, or perhaps working in a specific sector like healthcare or finance?

Identify the Gap & Set Goals

Understand the gap between your current skill set and what you want to achieve this year. Define clear and detailed goals. Instead of "improve design skills," aim for something specific like "learn how to use After Effects to create prototype videos." Ensure you can track your progress by setting benchmarks or milestones. Your goals should be challenging yet realistic based on your current situation. Align your goals with your broader career aspirations and set deadlines to keep yourself accountable.

Seek Feedback

Regularly discuss your goals and progress with mentors or peers. They can provide valuable insights and advice. If you're aiming for a promotion at work, start the career conversation early and seek help from your managers.

Setting career goals as a Product/UX Designer isn't just about climbing the cooperate ladder; it's about crafting a journey that's uniquely yours, filled with growth, challenges, and satisfaction.

By starting with a self-assessment, staying informed about industry trends, defining a clear vision, understanding the skill gap, and seeking continuous feedback, you are laying down the stepping stones for a successful and fulfilling career.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take that step today, set your goals with intention and clarity, and watch as your career unfolds into something truly remarkable. Here's to a year of achievement, innovation, and personal growth in the ever-evolving world of design.