From Engineering to UI/UX Design: My Career Journey

The Beginning: My Engineering Days

After completing my engineering degree in Electronics and Telecommunications (EXTC) from DY Patil RAIT Navi Mumbai, I began my professional journey in the corporate world. I worked as a Problem Manager at Atos for a year, which gave me solid experience in handling high-pressure situations, managing complex systems, and collaborating with technical teams.

However, even during this time, something felt missing. While I enjoyed the challenges, my creative side was itching for more expression. I began exploring fields where I could combine my logical, problem-solving mindset with a creative outlet, and that’s when I stumbled upon UI/UX design.

Why UI/UX?

The more I explored UI/UX, the more it resonated with me. It offered the perfect balance of creativity, psychology, and technology. I realized that my engineering background could actually be a strength in this field, giving me an edge when designing user-friendly, functional interfaces. I saw UI/UX as a way to not just build things, but to craft meaningful experiences.

Taking the Leap: My UI/UX Journey

Making a career switch wasn’t easy. I decided to invest time in several comprehensive courses to help me build the skills I needed. These programs provided me with a solid foundation in design principles, user research, prototyping, and—most importantly—how to approach design with empathy.

Throughout my learning journey, I worked on a variety of projects, including a neobank application, a language learning app, and a SaaS communication tool. These projects allowed me to build my portfolio and gain hands-on experience. My background in engineering helped me dive into the technical aspects of design, such as working with development teams and understanding how systems operate in the back end.

Challenges Along the Way

No journey is without its hurdles, and mine was no exception. One of the biggest challenges I faced was overcoming imposter syndrome. Coming from an engineering background, I constantly questioned whether I belonged in the design world. Was I creative enough? Did I have the eye for detail that UI/UX demands?

However, over time, I learned to trust myself and my process. My engineering background wasn't a limitation—it was a unique perspective that added value to my designs.

Landing My First Design Job

After completing my training, I joined 26ideas as a UI designer intern. My first year in this role has been an incredible learning experience, allowing me to apply everything I learned in the real world. I’ve gained confidence in my abilities, worked on live projects, and collaborated with cross-functional teams.

Looking Ahead

Looking back, I realize that every step of this journey was worth it. Transitioning from engineering to UI/UX design has opened doors I never thought possible. My advice to anyone considering a career switch is simple: Don’t be afraid to follow your passion. Your previous experience, no matter how unrelated it may seem, is an asset that can help you succeed in ways you haven’t even imagined yet.