Breaking into UX design as a newcomer is, in many ways, a paradox. It’s one of the most promising fields in tech today, with high demand for skilled designers, yet entry-level roles are remarkably scarce. Many early career designers encounter an environment that paradoxically wants both fresh perspectives and years of experience, leaving them in a frustrating loop. The journey can be disorienting: how do you stand out in a field that’s asking for a skill set you haven’t had a chance to develop in a formal setting? Yet, this landscape, tough as it is, offers insights and opportunities that can be uniquely beneficial if approached with the right mix of persistence, experimentation, and strategic risk-taking.

For UX designers just starting out, success doesn’t come from fitting into the traditional mold of an “ideal candidate.” Instead, it requires exploring new ways to define their skills, carving paths that may look unconventional on a resume but are ultimately what make them stand out.

Why job applications alone won’t get you there

One of the first lessons many early career UX designers learn is that job applications are a grueling numbers game. Applying to hundreds of roles can yield only a few responses—if any. And when responses do come, they may not even lead to meaningful feedback, making it hard to understand how to improve. It’s easy to feel stuck, questioning whether you’re missing something crucial about your approach.

This is where many UX designers discover the importance of portfolio storytelling. A portfolio isn’t just a collection of work; it’s a narrative of the choices, challenges, and solutions that define who you are as a designer. For those without extensive corporate experience, it’s a way to show how they solve problems and deliver value. Rather than passively waiting for companies to respond, portfolios become an active, tangible asset. By showing work, not just describing it, early designers have a real opportunity to tell their story in a way that job applications can’t capture.

Making your portfolio speak to the unknowns

What many boot camps and courses don’t prepare new UX designers for is the number of unknowns they’ll face in their first roles. Working with developers, iterating in response to user feedback, or balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders—these skills are often learned on the job, and it’s rare to have perfect mastery of them at the outset. But an early career designer’s strength often lies in their ability to learn quickly and embrace these unknowns rather than fearing them.

In this sense, a portfolio can become a way to communicate flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks. By including projects that show not only successful outcomes but also the messy process of discovery, early career designers can demonstrate that they’re ready to tackle real-world challenges. It’s about showing adaptability and a growth mindset—the qualities that will actually make a difference in the workplace, especially in UX, where ambiguity is part of the process.

The value of side projects and freelancing

For many early career designers, freelance projects or self-initiated work (think Etsy shops, personal apps, or concept designs for well-known brands) can serve as an entry point into the field. These experiences might feel small, especially compared to corporate UX roles, but they often provide insights that are invaluable. Freelance work teaches client communication, project management, and creative problem-solving—all skills that are central to UX.

Side projects, too, provide a chance to experiment with new tools, tackle unfamiliar design challenges, and ultimately build confidence. These experiences add depth to a portfolio and, just as importantly, show that the designer is actively engaged with UX. They’re working on their craft, developing new ideas, and gaining hands-on experience outside the formalities of a traditional job. In a field where creativity and user-centric thinking are critical, these personal projects can differentiate a designer in unexpected ways.

Networking, mentors, and apprenticeships: finding growth in unexpected places

In a market that’s often saturated with candidates, early career UX designers can benefit immensely from building a network and finding mentors. Unlike many fields, UX design is community-oriented, with a wealth of professionals willing to share insights, provide feedback, and even collaborate on projects. Meeting designers in local UX meetups, participating in online forums, and seeking out mentorship can provide guidance, expand connections, and occasionally lead to job opportunities.

Moreover, companies that offer apprenticeship programs, however rare, represent a tremendous opportunity. These roles recognize the need for on-the-job learning and often provide the support early career designers need to grow into the role. In these environments, risk-taking and asking questions are part of the job description, not liabilities. However, for designers who don’t have access to such programs, building a network of mentors and collaborators can serve as an informal “apprenticeship,” offering encouragement and feedback in the absence of structured support.

Redefining “success” in the early career journey

Ultimately, the journey for early career UX designers isn’t about finding the “perfect” entry-level role but creating a foundation for a meaningful career. Success in UX often looks different from traditional benchmarks, especially for those just starting out. It can mean pivoting to a freelance project, taking on an experimental side hustle, or contributing to a UX community—all of which cultivate the skills and relationships that will propel a designer forward in unexpected ways.

The early career phase may be daunting, but it’s also a time of creativity, exploration, and resilience. The designers who embrace this phase by building, experimenting, and engaging with the UX community are setting themselves up for success not by fitting into a predefined mold but by creating a mold of their own. This journey isn’t just a stepping stone; it’s where designers learn to trust their instincts, hone their skills, and, ultimately, discover what kind of UX professional they want to be.

For UX designers at the beginning of their journey, resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to take creative risks define the path forward. This journey may not follow a straight line, but it’s precisely this uncertainty that makes it so valuable.