Leveraging Your Diverse Background for a Tailored UX Portfolio

I want to share a pivotal insight from my own journey into Tech, which I believe can transform how you approach building your UX portfolio.

When I first ventured into Tech, my background was incredibly diverse, spanning higher education, sales, research, and much more. Being industry agnostic, I've worn many hats, and I'm proud of that. However, this diversity posed a unique challenge when entering the Tech and UX field. Like many of you, I had to navigate how to present my eclectic experience effectively.

I took a moment to reflect on what consistently made me the right fit across all those roles. The answer? My top three marketable skills: Project Management, Instructional Design, and Research. This discovery was a game-changer for me and is a common workshop I teach for job hunters. If you're struggling with an eclectic background, know you're not alone.

My ultimate goal was to land a role in UX Research. Understanding that direct entry might take time, I crafted two versions of my portfolio. One emphasized my research capabilities, subtly nodding to my project management and instructional design skills. The other focused more on instructional design, with gentle hints of my other skills. While I had little interest in pure project management roles, it was crucial to balance how I presented myself.

Interestingly, it was my instructional design-focused portfolio that opened the doors to a large Tech company. This opportunity was my entry point into the Tech world, allowing me to further hone my UX Research skills. Over time, my dedicated research portfolio paved the way to fulfilling UX Research roles.

Your journey into UX and Tech is unique, and embracing your diverse background can be your strength. By strategically deciding which parts of your story to highlight, you're not just preparing for your next job but setting a foundation for long-term success in the industry. Remember, it's about finding the right balance and making your eclectic experience work for you.

Let's embrace our diverse backgrounds and tailor our portfolios to open new doors in the Tech world. If I can do it, so can you. Ready to craft a portfolio that tells your unique story? We have several virtual and in-person portfolio workshops planned this year.

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