How Might We empower aspiring young designers to navigate decision-making and career path-setting?

Hey! Welcome?to Edition 5

It's that time of year again—design placement season, and I couldn't be more thrilled to welcome freshers to our team! ??

To kick things off, I thought it'd be perfect to invite Shama Rasal

Having coached several startups and designers, Shama is a UX & Product Design Expert, Solopreneur and Design/ UX Mentor for Google Launchpad (Startup Accelerator)

She's also our very first guest for the newsletter, and I'm eager to hear her optics on the importance of thoughtful decision-making and finding path for aspiring young designers.

V: Alright, so diving into the world of design careers, what's the big deal about making thoughtful decisions?

S: Oh, it's a huge deal! Our choices shape us more than our skills. So, understanding what success means to you and making informed decisions along the way is key to rocking your design career. Over my nine years of active mentoring and few hundred one-on-one sessions, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of clarity.

V: Success can mean different things to different folks, right? What's it all about in the design world?

S: Totally! Success in design isn't just about fame or money. It's about feeling fulfilled, getting recognized for your work, having a stable income, and growing personally. A common pitfall for designers is indiscriminately applying for any available role without any specific strategy.

V: Got it! So, what's the first step on this career journey?

S: Knowing your goals. Lots of new designers jump into the career path without a clear vision of where they're headed. But those who've got their goals nailed down tend to rock it better. It's essential to align opportunities with your career and learning objectives.

V: How do you pick the right gig in this wild world of design?

S: Ah! Don't just jump at any job that comes your way. You gotta be selective, making sure the role lines up with your career goals, values and bills. Opting for roles solely based on financial incentives can lead to eventual dissatisfaction. By carefully evaluating opportunities and considering factors beyond monetary gains, such as cultural fit and growth potential, you pave the way for a more fulfilling career journey.

V: Specialization sounds fancy! When do I need to pick my design superpower?

S: The magic number is around three to five years in the game. That's when you gotta choose your superhero cape and get specialized. Remember, "Riches are in the niches"! So, find your niche and own it! Focusing on a specific area of expertise allows for deeper mastery and sets you apart in a competitive landscape.

V: Alright, how do I become an online superstar as a designer?

S: Now, of all is the best time to shine! Get on platforms like LinkedIn, Discord, or Instagram and show off your skills. Engage with other designers, share your work, and make those connections. Your next big break might just be a DM away!

V: Networking sounds like a fancy word. How do I do it without feeling like a robot?

S: Networking's all about?connecting with people,?not just contacts. Be genuine, offer help, collaborate, and cheer on others.??Offer a helping hand before asking for a favour. Be genuinely interested in knowing about people. Connect with them as people first.

V: So, what's the secret sauce to a successful design career?

A: It's like building a house—start with a strong foundation! Combine skills with teamwork, keep learning, and polish up that portfolio. And hey, don't forget to trust your gut while making decisions. Balance planning with a dash of intuition, and you're golden!

Thank you for reading, and if you think if any one needs help, DM Shama Rasal or me and we will be happy to help.

Hope this was useful.

As always, open to ideas and fab collaborations.

Cheers,

Vaishnavi