What strategy can new design graduate students use to find a job in big tech?
Hello! I wish to ask about how hard it is to get into a big tech company UX design job now for a beginner-mid level designer who only worked for small companies, at the current time? And how about a prediction of the situation this December?
I applied a few positions at Google, but haven't heard anything back, so do all of the classmates I know. I wish to understand how much does this situation relate to the big tech lay-off situation, and what strategy can new graduate students use this December to find a job. Thanks!
9 answers
Marshall’s Answer
My wife is in this industry and it is very competitive right now. Roles that were going to Juniors last year are now going to mid level or sometimes we see Senior requirements in the job posting. So it is very much a tough market. She is working full time on keeping her portfolio up to date while applying full time as well.
I would recommend that you focus on your portfolio. If you don't have any real projects, you might look at some of the pro-bono (catchafire) type projects out there. Many of them don't go into a finalized delivery but you can get a little something to use on your portfolio. You will need to really understand how things work and as hard as it is to get experience without getting experience, that is the goal. If you have another skill set such as graphic design or marketing that you can pimp on your website, use that as a selling point. They (companies) will want to see process, so be sure you have a slide deck prepped to show you understand everything works and can do it. Look at other portfolios out there and make yours better than those (and different/ unique, so many look the same).
I would also recommend look for smaller companies, the large Tech Firms are doing restructuring and therefore the markets in those towns are insanely competitive right now. You will still have a round of like 5 or 6 interviews for these roles. Have some other material prepared that is not on your portfolio, extra things that relate to the type of industry you are interviewing for. (i.e. Medical, Financial, UI/App/SaaS).
Bigtech is really difficult at any stage, you will need real world experience to land a good role. You can seek out some more info as to specific markets and try to find people who are working there. Use ADP list or networking events/ sites to get an idea of what positions might be available. You can also follow those companies on Linkedin, Twitter etc to get information on what is going on with those companies.
Depending on your financial situation, internships might be another option, but again, we are seeing that these are very competitive, so you will want to be sure that your portfolio stands out as being phenomenal.
Elizabeth’s Answer
If you're going into UX, then your portfolio will be very important. Show that you understand the process in a compelling story. Visuals are nice, but we understand that isn't necessarily your final deliverable. Be consistent. Your portfolio overall should demonstrate that it is easy to use and that you understand how to design for the user (in this case, the reviewer/interviewer).
Getting an internship is also a good way to get your foot in the door. Many times we will hire our interns since it gives us time to see how they work and if it is a mutual fit.
Stacey’s Answer
One thing I think I will add to what Elizabeth said is that you should check with yourself to make sure you really want to work at a big tech company as a designer. From people that I have known to work at these companies, you are often responsible for a tiny portion of an app. There's a ton of process involved and lots of approvals needed. You are rarely creating new experiences end to end. Is that the kind of work that lights you up? Or do you want to have a big impact on a startup and design the whole experience?
Just some food for thought to add to all the other advice here. :)
Kelle Link, MBA
Kelle’s Answer
Alison’s Answer
My experience spans across design roles in small, medium, and large tech companies, and each offers a unique experience. Your personality and working style might make one type of company more appealing to you than the others.
Rosa’s Answer
For your convenience, here's the link to the IBM apprenticeship program:
https://www.ibm.com/careers/us-en/early-career/entry-level/
Jerry’s Answer
1) Despite the challenging job market, there are still opportunities available within large corporations. You still stand a chance to secure a position.
2) Establish connections with individuals already employed in the companies you're interested in. If you don't personally know anyone, consider using LinkedIn to network with them.
3) Large corporations often run or support numerous open-source projects. By becoming a contributor to these projects, you can gain visibility and increase your chances of landing a job.
Yvonne’s Answer
**1. Build a Strong Portfolio:**
- Showcase your best work, emphasizing projects relevant to UX design.
- Highlight your problem-solving skills, user research, and design thinking abilities.
**2. Gain Experience:**
- Even if you've primarily worked at small companies, make sure to mention any relevant experience, accomplishments, or projects that demonstrate your skills.
**3. Networking:**
- Attend UX design meetups, conferences, and online events.
- Connect with professionals in the field through platforms like LinkedIn.
- Consider reaching out to alumni from your program who work in big tech for advice or referrals.
**4. Tailored Applications:**
- Customize your resume and cover letter for each application to match the specific job requirements.
- Focus on how your skills and experience align with the company's values and UX principles.
**5. Keep Applying:**
- Big tech companies often receive numerous applications, so persistence is key.
- Apply to a variety of positions and companies, not just one.
**6. Prepare for Interviews:**
- Practice UX design interview questions and be ready to discuss your portfolio.
- Showcase your problem-solving abilities and your approach to UX challenges.
**7. Stay Informed:**
- Keep up-to-date with industry trends, tools, and emerging technologies in UX design.
As for the current job market, it can vary depending on location, company, and other factors. The December job market could be influenced by many factors, including economic conditions and the ongoing impact of the pandemic. It's difficult to predict precisely how the situation will evolve.
Regarding your experience with Google, it's not unusual to not hear back immediately. The hiring process at large tech companies can be lengthy, and they receive a high volume of applications. Continue applying to multiple positions and stay persistent in your job search.
In challenging job markets, consider expanding your search to smaller or medium-sized companies as well. These companies often offer valuable experience and can be a stepping stone to bigger opportunities in the future. Keep refining your skills, building your network, and adapting your strategy as needed to increase your chances of landing a job in big tech.
Amrith’s Answer
First and foremost, it's crucial to keep your finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving tech landscape. Dive deep into emerging technologies and the design principles that shape them. The more knowledge you gain, the better. Practice your newfound skills by crafting mock projects and showcasing them in your portfolio.
The second key element is networking. There are numerous ways to build these valuable connections. Consider reaching out to individuals at companies you're interested in via LinkedIn, and nurture these relationships. Attend local workshops or design meetups. Organize casual meetups or coffee chats with fellow designers in your vicinity.
Lastly, don't let rejection get you down. Remember, failure is simply a stepping stone on the path to success. You're bound to secure your dream job eventually. If doors at large companies seem to be closing, shift your focus to well-funded startups. Use these opportunities to further enhance your portfolio. It took me four years to secure a position at a leading tech firm, so remember, patience is your ally. Most importantly, don't forget to relish the journey!
Wishing you all the best! :)