Before the year ends: Free, curated resources to level up your design career

As we close out the year, I’ve been reflecting on the conversations, challenges, and opportunities I’ve shared with designers like you. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from talking to so many of you, it’s that the design industry continues to shift. Fast.

To help you stay ahead, I wanted to round up some of the most impactful resources I’ve created this year. Whether you’re job hunting, navigating career challenges, or just trying to plan your next move, these are designed to give you clarity and actionable insights.

The resources:

1. Pretty UI Won’t Get You Hired Anymore: A Designer’s Brutal Wake-Up Call Why design portfolios are no longer enough, and how to make sure your next interview doesn’t end with, “We’ll be in touch.” - a real conversation, edited for confidentiality.
2. More ICs, Fewer Leaders: This Head of Design is Feeling the Pressure A behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening in design teams right now—and what it means for your career -?a real conversation, edited for confidentiality.
3. I’ve Seen Thousands Apply for Jobs—Here’s What Actually Works A step-by-step framework to turn your network into opportunities, even if you don’t have one yet.

If you’re in the thick of job hunting or just planning your next career move, these might give you a fresh perspective or a few actionable ideas to try.

What’s coming in 2025:

In February, I’m hosting two free lightning lessons:

• Why Designers Get Stuck: Patterns from 1,000 Conversations: spot the 3 biggest career traps early, avoid common progression pitfalls and create a plan to overcome career blocks.
• Intentional Career Mapping: Future-Proof Your Design Path: think beyond conventional career paths, design your unique career trajectory and master strategic career decisions.

These will be quick, 30 minute long, focused sessions packed with actionable insights.

And if you’re navigating uncertainty right now, I’ve also been hosting weekly career and layoff navigation office hours for the past year, nearly thirty hours so far.

These one-hour sessions are free and will continue in 2025.

Join the Layoff Support Office Hours

I hope you can find time to rest and recharge over the holidays. Here’s to a strong start to the new year and to tackling whatever comes next.

Until next time,

Mindaugas