Google UX Certificates are a great starting point for aspiring UX designers and product designers who want to break into tech. After completing the Google UX certificates, here are some other things you need to learn/do to have job-ready skills.

1️⃣ Advanced Figma Skills

Alignment, Auto Layout, Components, to name a few. The key is to be able to create pixel-perfect designs that look and feel like an actual product. At the end of the day, your visual presentation is what gets your foot in the door. Go on my YouTube and learn through my Figma playlist.

2️⃣ Real-World Client Project

There are huge differences between what the design process is like in theory versus the design process in real life. Can you work within a time constraint on a product that’s not perfect with engineers who are learning front-end engineering on the go? With a client project, you can learn the “street-smart” way of design that actual businesses need, or in other words, soft skills and collaboration skills. Contact that friend of yours who’s starting a startup and help them out!

3️⃣ Product Thinking

At the end of the day, your design needs to benefit the business and help the business grow. Business and product are day-to-day conversations for a UX/product designer in tech. Start by talking with some product managers on how they make product and design decisions.

4️⃣ Portfolio

A great portfolio website that sells your design and tells a story helps you stand out. Your portfolio matters the most in the hiring process. Check out Framer website of the year as inspiration!

5️⃣ Networking & Personal Branding

Having a personal brand helps you to build the trust that’s needed to stand out in today’s competitive career environment. Start by posting your learnings on LinkedIn!

If you are a self-taught designer who wants to take a course from me that covers all these topics, Google Fast Track UX.

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