Building Connections with Other UX/UI Designers

“I don’t know anyone in the industry.” Neither did I. Neither did most of us. But we got in. Not by knowing people. But by getting known. Let’s break the illusion that networking = coffee chats. Because if you're a May 2025 grad (especially an international student)... Time’s ticking, anxiety’s rising, and sending 100 resumes isn't enough. You need visibility. You need credibility. You need a connection. Here are creative networking strategies most people don’t discuss—plus how to do them. 1. Create a “Missing Manual” for Your Dream Role Instead of sending a cold message, create something they’ve never seen. How to do it: Research a company/role you're interested in (e.g., Marketing Analyst at Spotify) Find what skills, tools, or challenges are core to the role Build a 1-pager called: “What I Wish I Knew Before Joining [Team Name]” Write tips, links, tools, or ideas for someone in that role Send it as: “Hi [Name], I created this as a learning tool while researching roles like yours. Thought you might enjoy it—or even improve it. Would love to hear what you think.” Why it works: You’re not asking for a job. You’re showing value. And curiosity. 2. Make a “Portfolio Video” Breakdown of a Brand or Campaign Especially helpful for roles in product, strategy, UX, or marketing. How to do it: Pick a brand you love (or want to work for) Study one campaign, product, or feature they launched Record a 2-minute video: What worked What could be better What you do differently Post it on LinkedIn or send it directly to an employee there This shows critical thinking and industry fluency, without asking anyone to hop on a call. Some grads landed interviews this way before applying. 3. Interview 3 People... Then, Publish a Mini Guide People LOVE being featured. Even more than being asked for advice. How to do it: Pick a topic you want to learn about (e.g., “Getting into Product without a CS Degree”) DM 3 professionals and say: “Hey [Name], I’m creating a short guide for students breaking into [field]. Would love to ask 3 questions via email—takes 5 minutes. Would you be open?” Compile responses into a clean Notion or Canva doc Share it on LinkedIn and tag everyone Bonus: it builds your brand and your network. 4. Drop a Handwritten Note (IRL or Digitally) In a world of AI, everything, handwriting stands out. How to do it: Go to a local event, info session, or talk Afterward, write a thank-you note with 1 thing you learned If it’s virtual, write the same note and scan it as a PDF Email it to the speaker Subject line: “One Thing You Said That Stuck With Me” Nobody forgets the person who sends paper or care. Final Thought: You don’t need to be the most experienced. Just the most intentional. Get known for being someone who shows up. Because in the end… Jobs come from people. People connect to stories. And your story? Deserves to be told. #May2025Grads #InternationalStudents #NetworkingTips #CreativeCareerMoves #JobSearchHelp

Job searching can be really challenging especially in today’s market. Networking is one of the most powerful tools and it’s helped me land many roles in the past but attending events or cold messaging on LinkedIn doesn’t always fit everyone’s schedule or personality and that’s totally okay. That’s why I’ve been recommending Slack channels to many clients lately. Most of them are free, easy to join (don't need a workspace) and offer a more casual way to connect with people in your field. Here’s how to get started and why it’s helpful: 1. Find Slack groups that fit your field. You can Google or check out sites like Slofie to find communities. Some I recommend for designers: Designer Hangout, Creative Tribe, Designership For marketing: Online Geniuses, Demand Curve For product designers: Product Collective, Mind the Product 2. Apply and wait for the invite. Most just have a simple form to fill out. After that, you get an invite email. 3. Introduce yourself with the goal to learn. When you join, don’t start by asking for a job. Say hi, share what you’re working on or interested in and be open to learning. There are people who want to help or mentor. 4. Join conversations, ask questions, share your experience. That’s how you make real connections. 5. Keep an eye on job channels! Lots of Slack groups have job boards or channels where people post openings. It’s another way to find leads without pressure. I personally love Slack communities because it feels more casual. I’ve seen my clients get great advice and even land jobs through these groups.

A little over a month ago, two people from my network messaged me cold to strike up a conversation. Both UX researchers on the job hunt. Today, one of them joined the team at Key Lime Interactive!! I've been reflecting on what this one person did well that made them stand out. This might help anyone else who is on the job hunt: 1. Approached me like a human and chatted about mutual interests, and asked for advice (i.e., informational interview approach) -- This approach made it easy for me to respond in a non-transactional way, and generated interesting conversation that I was happy to engage in 2. Approached LinkedIn as a tool to communicate skills, experiences, and goals; not as a job board -- The winning candidate posted several quality posts on LinkedIn about their career and their experience, even drawing on some of the topics we discussed -- That kind of rapid synthesis made me think of this person as a real researcher; they showed that they were listening and thinking in a focused manner, and validated the conversation we had 3. Continued to check in and update me with questions and observations; did not stop at the first exchange -- Anyone on the internet can be fly-by-night, here today and gone tomorrow -- What is impressive is showing up consistently with enthusiasm and curiosity, and being courageous enough to reach out to people you've never met to build relationships ------ A bit of strategic planning and strong curiosity go very far in a job hunt. To summarize: - Advice is free and easy to give; ask for advice, listen, and apply what you learn - Go the route of enthusiasm and curiosity; show that you are eager to learn from others because you share the same goals they do - Practice writing and talking about what makes you uniquely you; this will help you present your best self during interviews Let me know if this resonates! What have you found that is effective? #careergrowth #mindset #uxresearch #uxdesign #linkedin