This week's lecture, a potent blend of career guidance and creative self-promotion, was more than just note-taking – it was a call to action for all of us aspiring UX entrepreneurs.
Charting Your Course:
First things first, resources are your allies. Dive into the UX Society at UUSU – it's your gateway to networking and professional development. Sketchbooks are your new battle axes: mandatory for submissions, they become your creative war chest to showcase your unique design voice. Trends.uxdesign.cc and AIGA.org are your intel agents, offering insights into the ever-evolving UX landscape. Remember, knowledge is power!
Pitching the Perfect You:
Mark your calendars – January 5th is presentation day! Hone your Pitch for your Week 12 presentation; it's your chance to impress and leave a lasting impression. Nicreative.co, Handshake, LinkedIn, and Slack – these are your recruitment battlefields. But don't wait for invitations, charge forth! Reach out to companies, showcase your side projects, and be the proactive warrior of your own career.
CV: Your UX Armory:
Ready your weapons – your CV and portfolio are your UX arsenal. The CV, a concise document of your skills and experiences, is your first line of defense. Keep it short, sharp, and impactful – one or two pages, max. A limited color palette, strategic typography, and a standalone format (no embedded in your portfolio!) show professionalism and attention to detail. Don't forget the link to your portfolio – make sure it works! Pictures are welcome in your portfolio, not here. Honesty is your shield – be truthful, and choose references who can sing your praises (clients, not just employers).
Cover Letter: The Personalized Sword:
Craft a personalized cover letter, not a generic mass email. Find out the recipient's name and address them with respect. Your tone should be a blend of professionalism and natural charm. Make an impact! Consider a physical letter and CV – it stands out from the digital flood. A wax seal? Now that's an extra point for creativity!
Rapid7 Job Alert:
Eyes peeled, UX warriors! Check out the UI/Visual Design intern position at Rapid7 on LinkedIn. It's a prime example of what awaits you in the wild.
CV Workshop – Get Ready to Slay:
Don't fear the CV beast! Head over to ulster.careercentre.me/cv360 for a workshop that will help you build a CV that screams "hire me!" Aim for a minimum benchmark of 85% and remember, AI is your assistant, not your crutch. Edit out the vagueness and make it your own.
The Final Call:
This week's lecture wasn't just about finding a job; it was about becoming a confident, proactive UX entrepreneur. Hone your skills, showcase your work, and charge into the job market with passion and purpose. Remember, the perfect CV, a killer portfolio, and a touch of creative audacity are your weapons – go forth and conquer!
This blog post is just a start. Use it as a springboard to add your own insights, experiences, and personal brand of UX warrior spirit. Share your tips, job-hunting adventures, and creative exploits in the comments below. Let's build a community of UX warriors, ready to take on the world, one pixel at a time!
// Notes taken during lecture
CREATIVE ENTREPRENISHIP