From Dreams to Degrees: Reflecting on My UX Master's Degree
"To me, design is an equalizing tool when both the world and its technologies are rapidly changing. With its magical and curious concoction of technology and people, research and business, culture and commerce, the design focuses on putting the human element back in technology." (from my sop)
Three years ago, as I began my Statement of Purpose (SOP), I expressed my belief and aspirations to be a Good Designer. And three years later, I stand proudly as a Master's graduate in User Experience & Interaction Design from Thomas Jefferson University. Through my journey, I have encountered a myriad of questions, each propelling me further on my path of growth and discovery. So I'm going to explore these questions, how they influenced my journey, and the valuable lessons I learned along the way.
Before: Dreaming of Master's
Throughout my life, I had dreamt of diverse roles — being an astronaut, scientist, engineer, mangaka, artist, and writer — all tied to a common purpose of positively impacting the community. During my engineering days, I found myself drawn to the captivating fields of Bioinformatics and Nanotechnology, sparked by my research paper on protein-based memory. And for my capstone project, my team and I immersed myself in a project that developed an emergency app using cutting-edge technologies like machine learning, image processing, and neural networks. I was all set to pursue a Master's in Computer Science, either in Bioinformatics or Nanotechnology. So what changed?
I took a break to nurture my soul and connect with people before embarking on a new adventure of pursuing a Master's degree in a foreign country. During this time in the vibrant city of Bangalore, I encountered a few wonderful individuals who inspired me with their big dreams and infectious smiles. Immersed in the city's culture, I studied art and contemplated my future.
One of the turning points in my journey was meeting my then-roommate, who spoke passionately about the world of UX. Additionally, I had the pleasure of meeting a web developer who was determined to transition her career into Universal Design. As a fresh graduate, I was eager to explore various avenues, from painting murals to web design, writing, and content creation.
During this phase, a friend introduced me to UX/UI; I am eternally grateful. Initially, I ventured into the world of UX by chance, viewing it as a temporary detour before my great journey. However, life had other plans, and the more I delved into UX, the more I realized its profound impact and the perfect alignment it had with my goals.
A career in UX allowed me to fulfill my long-standing desire to positively impact the world while nourishing my soul. The community, the principles, and the potential to create meaningful interdisciplinary experiences resonated deeply with my aspirations. It was the perfect amalgamation of serving others and finding personal fulfillment.
I must acknowledge that the journey in UX has its challenges. As a practitioner, I learned that the initial years can be particularly demanding, and doubts about design decisions can be common. During this crucial phase of self-discovery, I sought clarity by interning, dedicating time to study and work, and persistently seeking mentorship — though finding the right mentors proved challenging.
It was amidst these moments of doubt and perseverance that I experienced a defining revelation. I decided to pursue a Master's degree in UX, believing it would be the gateway to honing my skills and fully embracing this career path.
During: Being a grad student
My Master's program in User Experience and Interaction Design proved to be a transformative journey, enriching both my knowledge and personal growth. As an international student, stepping into a new educational environment was challenging and exhilarating, presenting me with diverse perspectives and novel ways of thinking. I found exploring design practices across various countries, cultures, and cities particularly captivating, broadening my understanding of design's universal impact.
Throughout the program, I was privileged to engage in impactful projects that left a positive mark on society. Witnessing my designs come to life and directly impacting the lives of end users was an immensely gratifying experience. Among the most valuable lessons I learned was the art of collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Working with teams from different backgrounds and industries allowed me to grasp unique perspectives and foster a collaborative environment. It was invigorating to collaborate with industry experts, listening to their aspirations for creating meaningful impact and relying on me as the mediator between users and technology for driving change. I embraced the role of being a voice and advocate for users while skillfully balancing business objectives and technological feasibility. And the challenges encountered during my Master's journey played a pivotal role in shaping me into a more resilient and adaptable designer.
Navigating this journey on my own would have posed significant challenges. So I needed the structured environment of my Master's program to provide the much-needed support and guidance, which made a world of difference in my experience as a UX designer. Having dedicated professors, a well-defined curriculum, supportive peers, and invaluable mentors truly transformed my perspective on UX.
Note for you: I want you to know that you can become a great designer on whichever path you choose. In the world of User Experience, I have encountered self-taught designers driven by exceptional dedication and passion and others who pursued specialized boot camps to hone their skills. Each path is valid, making UX so beautiful — its interdisciplinary and inclusive nature.
After: The Degree
Graduating the day after defending my thesis on combating misinformation in women's health space was a significant achievement, marking the end of a challenging semester filled with the news of layoffs and economic uncertainties. During that time, my focus was solely on excelling in my thesis defense and honing my skills as a designer. The weight of external challenges seemed secondary as I poured my heart and soul into my academic pursuits.
During this intense period, juniors approached me seeking advice on standing out and distinguishing themselves in the competitive design world. I empathized with their concerns, as I had grappled with similar thoughts, but at that moment, I had no ready answers to offer. The uncertainties of the times mirrored our internal struggles to find our unique paths and make our mark as designers.
I want to share a valuable lesson I've learned: don't allow yourself to be burdened by the pressure of standing out. Instead, focus on continuous learning and personal growth. I've experienced firsthand how stressing over standing out doesn't truly add value to my skills or overall well-being. When we do things solely to impress others or meet external expectations, the pressure makes it easy to feel unfulfilled and weighed down.
Remember, the journey of mastering your craft should not be rushed. Embrace the process and take the time to build a strong foundation. The skills you acquire and develop are a permanent part of you, and they will grow and evolve with time and dedication.
Moreover, always value the uniqueness you bring as a human being. Your perspective, empathy, and advocacy for users are invaluable in the field of User Experience. UX is a collaborative and human-centered field; embracing these qualities allows you to create meaningful and impactful designs.
The moment I graduated, a profound sense of heaviness fell over me. The journey had been intense, filled with challenges and growth, and I knew I needed time. To regain my energy, I took a break from LinkedIn. During that time, I missed the interactions with my fellow Uxers and the connections I regularly engaged with, celebrating successes and sharing challenges. While burnout is a genuine concern, I've come to accept that it's okay as long as I can take the necessary breaks and come back refreshed. Stepping back and caring for yourself is essential for maintaining balance and sustaining creativity. As I reconnect with my fellow Uxers and my connections, I am grateful for the support and camaraderie that continues to fuel my passion for UX.
Throughout my journey, I have been incredibly fortunate to receive unwavering support from the moment I pursued my Master's degree. From those who believed in me and encouraged me during the creation of my SOP to the extraordinary individuals I had the privilege of meeting and connecting with, the network of people surrounding me has been a constant source of inspiration. Thank you all.
