Mentoring Revisited

Last year, members and volunteers of the UPA Delaware Valley began brainstorming on a local UX mentoring program. It’s about time we had one of these. Frequently I come across posts on IxDA and other forums with people writing about how they want to transition into UX from a related field, but can’t get the experience they need to get a UX job; or they have some experience, but it never seems to be enough. Most responses don’t go beyond what books a person should read, what conferences they should attend (the latter not even being an option for most people due to the prohibitive expense.)

One person I know is a copywriter who wants to make the leap into UX. Over the years he’s gotten a few UX contracts under his belt from well-known companies. He recently applied for his dream job at a top-notch agency, only to be told that he didn’t have enough experience for their current openings but nevertheless had a “bright future” in the UX field. He’s yet another person who’s been thrown into the vicious cycle of being shut out of contracts and full-time positions due to lack of experience, but can’t get the experience he needs that companies say they’re looking for. If he can’t get more experience, how can he have a bright future?

In the grander scheme of things, how do we expect to UX field to continue to grow and prosper if we’re not cultivating the next generation of designers? Few hiring managers seem to care about self-directed UX projects or student work. Internships are often restricted to enrolled college students. Mentors are hard to come by since the most well-known designers are either flooded with freelance projects or have full-time positions that require their full attention. This is understandable, especially in these economic doldrums that aren’t letting up anytime soon. At the same time, the UX community needs to exert effort into carving out workspaces for new people to learn the craft and gain the experience that companies and agencies insist on.

With the UPA mentorship program, we’re hoping to get on board some seasoned UX designers in the area to help out those who are getting started in the field or have limited experience, engaging in side projects to cultivate and keep their skills sharp while they’re on the job hunt and create attractive portfolios to show. Among other things, we’re hoping this program will bring some fresh faces onto the scene and show that companies and agencies shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss job candidates who don’t have x years of experience.

Note to hiring managers: stop holding out for UX rockstars*. Take a look at the resumes of those who have potential to become rockstars, those who can wax lyrical about your company at gatherings and conferences, thus attracting even more talent.

If you’re in the Philly area and interested in becoming a mentor or seeking a mentor, send an email to mortvia at gmail dot com. Hopefully we can set you up with the right person so you can get your UX career rolling!

*I personally abhor this term, along with “guru” and “ninja”, but I’m using it anyway.