[SIZE=14px]Hi all,
Long time lurker and finally signed up, hoping you can help me with your expert advice
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[SIZE=14px]Quick summary of myself: I am in my late 20âs and have been working in IT consulting for the past 5 years (IT systems for banking). I am looking to do a bit of a career change into UX design as itâs an area I am interested in. I have a degree in Computer Science and have a good understanding of the software development life cycle and some programming knowledge (although I havenât used this as much as a full-time developer). I understand HTML5 and CSS3 although this is self taught in my spare time and not at an expert level. I am also looking at learning Javascript as it seems very popular and a skill many jobs are asking for. I really enjoy design and have an artistic side and believe UX design or UX Development would suit my interests.
A few questions that would really help me:
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I noticed many people come from front-end development backgrounds before going into UX design. Should I be looking to take a similar path? Do you think it will be difficult for me to get into such a role as currently my background is very much requirements/ testing/ customer-facing and considering I am older than most graduates I canât help but feel I will find it difficult as I feel I am âlate to the partyâ so to speak.
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I am currently reading a book on UX design which focuses on how customers interact with a product (website/application) and their behavior. Iâm finding it an area of interest and would like to learn more. The problem that I am facing however is that although I may be learning new material, where do I go from there? I really have no idea what to apply for or whether I will be âlaughedâ at for applying for a job that they expect a whole another level of experience or skill-set.
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My plan is to do the following. Continue reading content focused around UX design. Continue to build my skills in HTML5 and CSS3. Look into learning Javascript. Embrace my skills by creating websites that use good design techniques from what I have learnt from my reading and then use this in the form of a portfolio. Does this sound like a good approach?
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Should I apply for junior job roles? Although it seems some of my experience is transitional I am willing to take a pay-cut to achieve my goal. Competition seems very high for these positions but I am driven and am willing to put the work in.
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[SIZE=14px]I really am currently at crossroads on what to do. My current job is ok but I know deep down itâs not what I want to do for the rest of my life. On the other hand I really have no idea how I can get into this new field and whether it is likely I am going to find workâŚ
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[SIZE=14px]I live just outside London. Any advise or insights into this field will be greatly appreciated.
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[SIZE=14px]Thanks for the help and your time. Any advice (however small) is really appreciated.[/SIZE]