What Entry-Level UI/UX Jobs Require No Experience?
If you’re looking for the next step in your career, a role in UI/UX design is well worth considering. One of the fastest growing design sectors, UI and UX focusses on creating the best experience possible for users of apps, websites and other media.
UX and UI design have become a popular avenue for fresh graduates and those looking to transition from related fields. This is mainly due to a growing demand for designers across multiple industries.
If you’ve just finished your design degree or a certificate program and are looking for a UI/UX job, it can be daunting to find a job. Many aspiring designers are daunted by the “X years of experience required” in job descriptions. But, fear not. There are still roles for those without any professional experience. We’ve listed 3 job positions that someone with no industry experience has a chance of landing, along with tips on how to get the job.
3 UI/UX Jobs That Require No Experience
Here are 3 UI/UX job positions that require little to no experience:
UI/ UX Intern
A User Interface Designer Intern or User Experience Designer Intern is typically a generalist. The job description will call for basic knowledge about the industry and design principles and proficiency in design tools, like Adobe XD, Figma, and Sketch. Typically, these roles will teach you:
- User research
- Wireframing
- Basic information architecture
This role is perfect for those getting started out since they get to work closely with UX design specialists and product designers. You get valuable feedback from experts and learn how to put your design tools into action. The only downside is that many internships pay a minimal fee, and some might not pay at all. Many internships are also only available to fresh graduates and not for experienced professionals that want to change careers.
Junior UI/UX Designer
A junior designer is on the same level or slightly above the totem pole compared to an intern, but it is still an entry-level position. In this role, you will still work as a generalist assisting the more experienced members of your team. However, this is a full-time position, so there’s a higher chance of finding a specialty and developing your skills within the organization. Recruiters will likely count projects during a UI/UX bootcamp or internship as professional experience when hiring junior designers.
A junior designer role is suitable for both fresh graduates and aspirants that want to switch careers. If you’re already working in another field but have transferable skills, then applying for a junior role within the design team in your organization is one of the best ways to find a job. Some job postings also refer to Junior Designer as “Associate Designer.”
Junior UX Roles
There are plenty of roles that go into building an excellent user experience, including user research and UX writer. Many organizations offer junior positions to entry-level applicants on these teams, provided they have related work experience in a related field.
So, if you’re an experienced copywriter, you can apply to become a UX writer with basic design knowledge. These roles are excellent for individuals that want to get into UX design from another career or industry.
Is Experience Important In UI/UX Design?
Yes. Experience is important, but only to a certain extent. Recruiters use “years of experience” on job descriptions as a way to weed out people who don’t know what they’re doing. Rather than a firm requirement, experience is an arbitrary qualifier for suitable candidates.
So, what does that mean for you? It means that if you find an entry-level UI/UX job and meet most of the requirements, except for the “years of experience,” then you should apply anyway. Your chances of getting an entry-level job are more dependent on your design portfolio, resume, and any connections, rather than how long you’ve been in the industry. As a newbie, you have the chance to let your work speak for you. Recruiters will choose an inexperienced designer with a great portfolio over a slightly experienced professional with a mediocre portfolio. This is why it is essential to build a good UI/UX portfolio. Overall, years of experience should not be the only factor that stops you from applying to entry-level jobs.
Where to find UI/UX designer jobs?
Start with the usual sites, i.e., LinkedIn, Indeed, andGlassdoor. You can also try these design-specific job boards:
Next steps
Now that you know which jobs you can apply to, let’s focus on how you can land them. First, read this handy guide on how you can get a UI/UX job without prior experience. Second, check out Springboard’s UI/UX Bootcamp. Springboard’s online course will help you gain the necessary skills and experience needed to land your dream UI/UX design job. 