What work had been you doing beforehand?
I started my profession in 2004 as a Public Relations Officer.
In 2014, I moved into educating, the place I labored till 2021. Alongside this, I explored entrepreneurship and ran a startup from 2015–2016.
I later took a profession break to concentrate on elevating my two untimely daughters.
What are you doing now?
I’m working as a UI UX Designer with Cognizant Applied sciences Answer.
Why did you modify?
Throughout PR, educating, and working a startup, I realised I most loved understanding folks’s wants and fixing issues in ways in which made issues clearer and simpler for them.
I used to be persistently drawn to enhancing experiences – whether or not that meant refining messaging, redesigning lesson supplies, or shaping a product primarily based on person suggestions.
After I found UX design, it felt like a pure match, because it introduced collectively communication, empathy, problem-solving, and creativity in a single position.
When was the second you determined to make the change?
The thought developed over time, however two experiences stood out.
As a trainer, I usually redesigned lesson plans after observing the place college students grew to become confused or disengaged. I loved analysing these ache factors and adjusting the construction or visuals to enhance understanding.
The true turning level got here throughout my startup journey (2015–2016), the place I labored intently with customers, examined concepts shortly, and iterated primarily based on suggestions.
I realised that what excited me most wasn’t working a enterprise, however designing options that genuinely labored for folks. That’s once I determined to pursue UX design critically.
How did you select your new profession?
After I discovered about UX design, every little thing clicked.
It mixed the communication abilities I’d gained in PR, the empathy and readability from educating, and the user-focused problem-solving I’d skilled whereas working a startup. It felt much less like a profession change and extra like a pure development.
Are you pleased with the change?
Sure, very a lot so.
UX design aligns intently with my strengths and pursuits. I benefit from the steadiness of creativity, logic, and empathy, and I really feel extra assured and fulfilled in my work than I did in my earlier roles.
What do you miss and what do not you miss?
I miss the direct human interplay from educating and the fast-paced problem-solving of startup life.
Nevertheless, I don’t miss the constraints of inflexible curricula or the monetary strain and unpredictability of working a enterprise alone. UX provides me the perfect of each worlds: significant problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, and long-term stability.
How did you go about making the shift?
I approached the transition step by step and deliberately.
I took formal UX programs to construct a powerful basis, whereas making use of what I discovered to actual issues by way of hands-on initiatives and case research. I constructed a portfolio, sought mentorship, joined design communities, and collaborated on small initiatives to develop sensible expertise.
By the point I moved into UX roles, I used to be in a position to deliver collectively abilities from enterprise, communication, and product considering as a well-rounded designer.
What didn’t go effectively? What incorrect turns did you’re taking?
My startup from 2015–2016 was finally shut down attributable to monetary constraints and restricted assets.
Whereas it felt like a setback on the time, it taught me beneficial classes about resilience, prioritisation, person wants, and dealing beneath strain – all of which have been helpful in my UX profession.
How did you deal with your funds to make your shift doable?
Throughout my educating years, I ensured that I saved sufficient to cowl my dwelling bills whereas I invested in studying and constructing a portfolio.
I additionally leveraged my expertise working a startup, the place I had already managed budgets, so I used to be acutely aware about prioritising spending and avoiding pointless prices.
What was probably the most tough factor about altering?
Beginning once more outdoors my consolation zone.
Shifting into UX meant studying new instruments, strategies, and methods of considering, regardless of having years of expertise in different fields. That preliminary adjustment was difficult however finally rewarding.
What assist did you get?
I acquired steering from mentors and UX professionals, notably round portfolio improvement and greatest practices.
I additionally relied on structured programs and workshops, in addition to sturdy private help from my household, particularly my husband.
What do you want you’d finished in another way?
I want I’d explored UX earlier, even whereas educating or working my startup.
That mentioned, every stage of my profession gave me transferable abilities which have strengthened how I strategy problem-solving in the present day.
What would you advise others to do in the identical state of affairs?
I might advise others to strategy a profession shift with intentional planning and endurance.
First, perceive the talents required in your new subject and begin studying them early by way of programs, initiatives, or mentorship.
Second, leverage your previous experiences, as a result of transferable abilities like communication, problem-solving, or management are sometimes extremely beneficial in a brand new position.
I’d additionally emphasize the significance of constructing a portfolio or sensible expertise, even by way of small initiatives, to reveal your capabilities.
Lastly, search steering and help from mentors, friends, and your private community. It makes the transition smoother and helps preserve confidence alongside the best way.
Most significantly, be affected person and protracted. Significant profession modifications take time, however the progress is value it.
What assets would you advocate to others?
I’d advocate a mix of structured studying, hands-on observe, and group engagement.
Combining these assets provides each the data and sensible expertise wanted to confidently transition into any profession.
What classes might you’re taking from Preeti’s story to make use of in your personal profession change? Tell us within the feedback under.