Many of us have different plan once we graduate from college. Some of us want to travel different countries before getting a job, some of us want to learn more before diving into real experience, and some of us want to find a job straightaway. However, of all these categories, there is a similar dilemma deep inside the mind. Especially with UX designers, it is, "what are we suppose to do now?"
Without the job experience, it is hard for the UX designers to find a good qualifying job. Even though the job demand for the designers are increasing significantly, this mostly applies to the UX designers with years of experience. The fresh college graduate does not have the skill and the experience that can satisfy the need of the company. Therefore, many of the fresh designers can be struggling on what they should be doing.
Here are the few suggestions that the UX designers should be doing if you are currently lost. First, build yourself a portfolio. If you don't have any experience that could be proved, show it with your skills. Build a portfolio of your own style and show it to the world. Not only will this enhance your skill, but it will be a great resume that could be used in the future. Maybe a company can stumble across your portfolio and like it. This will be a great opportunity to show the company that you are the one that the company is looking for.
One can never start the job if the expectation is so high. At the beginning stage, it can never be about making money. Expect to have low wage and think about earning experience. Finding a job is the top priority. It is important to get a job and get yourself the experience for the future use. It is natural for the companies to offer higher wage once the experience that they require have been settled. Therefore, you should never look for the job with high salary and high expectation. Companies do not look for students with low skill and little experience in this fast pace business world.
It is okay to take a break after graduation. It is also okay to travel around and experience the world a little. But it is not okay to do nothing and be lost in the world. There are always a path to your career, but you have to make that path. Make sure to be diligent and busy, or you might get lost in this business world