The Most Important Lesson I Learned in 2021
--
As 2021 is almost over, I start to reflect. 2021 is definitely a better year for me than 2020, although I am still struggling to get a full-time job.
When I graduated from grad school in December 2020, I had totally no idea about what I was going to do. I mean, yes, I knew I wanted a UX job, but how? I didn’t have any UX work experience at that time and I didn’t even have a portfolio. I struggled a lot about what to put on my resume and how to show the recruiters that I was qualified. I self-rejected myself again and again, and I couldn’t see myself in a better future. Also, I was living in a very tiny studio in the campus town.
Later, in March 2021, I started working as a course assistant to help thousands of MBA students ace their online courses, and I took the opportunity to learn more about digital marketing and innovative business strategies. I also landed my first official UX Research internship at a startup company aiming to deliver people better mental health service experience. I never thought I could work at a startup company and it was such a unique experience! I kept in touch closely with the CEO and everyone in the product team, and clearly saw where my efforts go by keeping track of the whole process of our product’s development. I also had ample opportunities to learn things that weren’t taught in school from the internet, my colleagues, and the company leaders. Later, I even took on more responsibilities as a UX Designer. I was so lucky to be given spaces for creativity and to be involved in decision-making that might not be available to all employees at a larger organization. Besides, I moved to Chicago, and now my living space is doubled(even tripled).
See yourself in a better place, this is the most important lesson I’ve learned in 2021. Even though I am still trying to land a full-time job, I am not that afraid and lost anymore. And I am determined that I will be okay and achieve my goals in the near future, maybe next month, who knows? :)
