How I became a Senior UX Designer from a Mechanical Engineer?

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, career transitions have become more common than ever before. Professionals are seeking new avenues, often moving away from their original fields to explore their passion and find fulfillment. My journey from being a Production Engineer to becoming a Senior UX Designer is a testament to the power of embracing change, pursuing personal growth, and seizing opportunities that come our way.

Foundation in Mechanical Engineering

I completed my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2015 from Mumbai University, India. During my studies, I developed a strong foundation in the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and machine design. I also gained experience in applying these concepts to real-world problems through my coursework and extracurricular activities.

Post-Graduation Degree in Pipe Design Engineering

In 2015, I enrolled in a post-graduate degree program in Pipe Design Engineering. This program allowed me to specialize in the design and analysis of piping systems. I learned about the different types of piping systems, the materials used in piping, and the design standards that must be followed. I also gained experience in using computer-aided design (CAD) software to design piping systems.

Ranked 10th in India

After 3.5 months of extensive hard work, in Nov 2015, I graduated from the post-graduate program with a first-class honors degree. I was also ranked 10th in India in the graduating class. This achievement gave me the confidence that I could succeed in any field that I chose.

Early Exposure to Creativity

During my engineering degree, I had the opportunity to be a part of the magazine department from 2012 to 2014 in my college. This role introduced me to the world of design, graphics, and creative software. Working on layout design, graphic illustrations, and typography ignited my passion for visual aesthetics and the potential of creative software tools. This experience played a pivotal role in shaping my desire to pursue a career that blended technology and design.

The Call for UX Design

I worked as a production in charge for four years, and I was good at it. I worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, and I was proud of the work that I did. But there was always something missing. I wasn’t fulfilled.

I knew that I was more interested in building and crafting digital designs. I loved the idea of creating user experiences that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I wanted to use my skills to make a difference in the world.

So, I took a leap of faith and decided to make a career switch. I started by learning everything I could about UX design. I read books, took online courses, and even attended a few conferences.

I also started working on personal projects. I wanted to build a portfolio that would showcase my skills and my passion for UX design.

I landed an opportunity to work for a blockchain startup, and that’s where my entire UX journey began. I’m so proud of taking that step, and I’m so glad that I made the switch. I’m finally doing something that I’m passionate about, and I’m making a difference in the world.

I know that I’m not the only one who has felt this way. There are many people who are unhappy in their current careers, but they’re afraid to make a change. I want to encourage those people to take a leap of faith. If you’re passionate about something, go for it! You won’t regret it

Challenges of Transitioning to IT During COVID-19

Transitioning from a mechanical engineering background to the IT sector was not an easy task, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The job market was uncertain, and opportunities seemed scarce. However, I was determined to pursue my newfound passion for UX design. I saw this challenging period as an opportunity to invest in self-improvement and focused my efforts on learning the necessary skills to make a successful career switch.

Dedicated Self-Study and Learning Journey

With a burning desire to excel in UX design, I immersed myself in a rigorous self-study routine. I dedicated countless hours, studying day and night to understand UX terminology, industry standards, and the psychology behind UX flows. I relied on a combination of online platforms such as YouTube and Coursera, where I found valuable resources to learn from industry experts. Additionally, I delved into a plethora of UI/UX books to gain a comprehensive understanding of design principles, user research techniques, and prototyping methodologies.

Embracing the Learning Process

Throughout my learning journey, I embraced the challenges that came with mastering a new field. I took on personal projects, created wireframes and prototypes, and sought feedback from mentors and peers. By continuously iterating and refining my designs, I developed a keen eye for detail, honed my problem-solving abilities, and enhanced my collaboration skills.

Applying Knowledge and Building a Portfolio

Knowledge is power, but it is only useful if you can apply it at the right time and place. This is especially true in the workplace, where you are constantly bombarded with new information and new tasks. If you can’t quickly and efficiently apply your knowledge to the task at hand, you will quickly fall behind.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when applying knowledge at the right time and place. First, you need to be aware of your own knowledge gaps. What do you know, and what don’t you know? Once you know your strengths and weaknesses, you can start to focus on filling in the gaps.

Second, you need to be able to quickly assess the situation and determine what knowledge is needed. This is not always easy, as different situations require different knowledge. However, the more you practice, the better you will become at making these assessments.

Finally, you need to be able to communicate your knowledge effectively. This means being able to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise way. It also means being able to tailor your communication to the specific audience you are addressing.

Applying knowledge at the right time and place is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. However, it is a skill that is essential for success in today’s knowledge-based economy.

Take away

• Be proactive: Don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do. Take the initiative to learn new things and apply your knowledge to new situations.

• Be adaptable: The world is constantly changing, so you need to be able to adapt your knowledge to new situations. This means being open to new ideas and being willing to change your perspective.

• Be collaborative: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from others. There are many people who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise.
  
  

Conclusion

My unconventional journey from being a Production Engineer to a Senior UX Designer has been a transformative experience. From my early exposure to creativity during my college days to navigating the challenges of transitioning to a new field during the COVID-19 pandemic, every step has shaped me into the professional I am today.

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” — Steve Jobs

By investing in self-study, leveraging online resources, and immersing myself in the world of UX design, I overcame the obstacles and found success. It is through dedication, perseverance, and a thirst for knowledge that I achieved my goal of becoming a Senior UX Designer. To those contemplating a career switch, particularly during uncertain times, I urge you to embrace the challenges and dedicate yourself to continuous learning. Leverage the wealth of resources available online, seek mentorship, and build a robust portfolio that showcases your skills and expertise. With determination and persistence, you can carve out a rewarding career path that aligns with yours.

Thanks for reading.

I hope this article has been helpful.