Switching career paths: From Computer Science/IT to UI/UX Design

Behind the designer

Every designer is different in preferences and thought processes. This is why we make it a point to ask some fun questions to get to know them a little better.

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💁🏻This or That

• Music or Podcast? Podcast.
• Deep sea or outer space? Deep sea.
• Naming layers or Unnamed layers? I don't name my layers.
• Mac or PC? PC.
• Light mode or dark mode? Light mode.
• Landing your dream job or winning the lottery? Landing your dream job.
• Morning Person or Night Owl? Morning person.

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🎨 What’s that one thing you can’t live without as a designer?

Iqra: It's impossible for me not to get more knowledge and experience.

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💻 What does your workspace look like?

💻 What does your designer toolkit look like?

Iqra: I am getting a PC soon, but here’s what I’m currently using:

• Del Inspiron 3593
• IPad 8th gen
• Apple pen for wireframing

✨ What motivated you to become a UX/UI designer?

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Iqra: A course at my university called “Human-Centered Design.” My university professor saw my approach to solving problems and coming up with solutions, and from there, he introduced me to User experience design, and that’s when the idea of learning UX and UI hit me.

I witnessed that in most companies, people are confused about the role of a UX researcher and a UI designer because they don’t have first-hand knowledge.

In my case, I focused on first getting the right knowledge (and NO YouTube has nothing to do with the knowledge I have right now) and then applying it.

⛔ Before enrolling in Designership's Masterclass, what problem(s) were you encountering in your career?

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Iqra: Problems and problems! People around me were not well aware of the role of a UI designer and a UX researcher; companies would even ask you to design a social media poster as a UX/UI designer, and that’s insanely misleading.

YouTube is full of ifs, and they don’t tell you the details. To get that pure knowledge, I had to find a source. I kept doing my research for two weeks to find a reliable, informative, and out-of-the-ordinary source of first-hand knowledge and landed at Mizko.

Previously, I had seen his couple of YouTube videos, and I knew that if there was somebody I could count on for “gold knowledge,” it had to be Mizko.

👀 How did you first hear about Designership's Masterclass(es)? What stood out to you about our course offering/s?

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Iqra: I think it was 2019 when I was embarking on my UX journey; like everyone, I went online and looked for mentors during that time.

For me, it’s the way a teacher communicates and how often he shares his subject-related experiences is a major yes!

Mizko has always been clear with his words and has a proactive approach to every lecture. He’s not in a rush to brush things off his shoulders, but rather, I saw effort and consistency in each and every lecture of this UI course.

✨What motivated you to enroll in the Designership’s The Figma Masterclass?

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Iqra: I was confident and, yes, excited when I enrolled in the UI course. The way he helped us construct a style guide and define each module was a showstopper for me.

In a lot of aspects, I would say the way each topic dives into depth and brings out clarity. Second, the Designership group helped me a lot when I got stuck, and Mizko made sure to answer my queries.

💭 What were your expectations going into the course? Were they met or exceeded by the end of the program?

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Iqra: I think Auto Layouts and adding a few more examples for responsive design, but I practiced those parts on my own as well with the knowledge Mizko gave us.

💡 How did the Masterclass(es) help you solve the problems you were facing prior to enrolling into the course?

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Iqra: Yes, I for sure learned components in a better way, and dashboard designing helped me understand the admin side of a product in a better way.

🚀 Looking back at your journey from enrolling in the Masterclass(es) to where you are now, what do you think made the most impact on your career or personal growth?

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Iqra: I am now working as a Lead Product Designer because of this course. At job interviews, this was my major flex, and my confidence was evident as I knew what I was talking about and how to get the work done.

‍🌟 What is your ultimate goal as a Product (UX/UI) designer?

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Iqra: To be part of Microsoft or any reputable company, to thrive, learn, and make my mark. I am known for my hard work and intelligence.

💡What would be one piece of advice that you would pass on to a designer that’s reading this interview?

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Iqra: Do your own research and never follow the crowd!