Sofia Gutierrez

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

With a B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of California, Riverside, I spent my college years studying the brain, its impact on behavior and cognitive functions, and how people think. Prior to switching careers to UX, I was heavily involved in the healthcare field as a medical scribe and healthcare office administrator. I found this very fulfilling, but I was unsatisfied with my career trajectory and found myself wanting to explore my creative side somehow. I enrolled in the UX/UI design program of Designlab where I discovered that UX combined my love of creativity and problem-solving.

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

It's so important to be confident and explore all that the world has to offer. The more you are able to experience, the more you get to know about yourself. Since college, I've been able to travel more and explore my own interests. My love of fitness played a role in my career change. I loved the ability to work from home and have a flexible schedule to allow time for my own hobbies. This was one of the reasons I transitioned into tech. Networking is also key to landing a job. I've connected with many mentors who have helped me succeed as a UX designer. It's also a great way to learn about the many careers that are out there!