Meenakshi Bose

As I sat down to write my first post about my journey as a User Experience (UX) designer, the phrase “let’s begin from the beginning” immediately came to mind. In this post, I’ll be sharing my transition from the world of engineering to the exciting realm of UX design.

In essence, my decision to grow as a designer was straightforward: one day, I decided to step out of my shell and informed my manager that I wanted to become a UX designer. However, the journey was far from easy – it was more like a rollercoaster ride. Here’s a glimpse into my experience…

My passion for both computers and art was always present, and I yearned for a career that would combine the two. Unfortunately, during the early 2000s, internet access was limited, and I remained unaware of the design industry. Consequently, I decided to pursue Computer Science Engineering instead, which was a step towards my aspirations, but something was still missing. In 2014, after completing my Bachelors in Engineering, I started working as a Front End Developer for a US-based multinational company.

Although I was content with my job, I wasn’t fulfilled with the work I was tasked with. After a year and a half, I made the decision to leave the organization to pursue my dream of becoming a designer. At that point, I had thoroughly researched the design industry, including the latest trends and top companies to work for. And I began my journey with a Gurgaon-based Startup as a Junior Graphic Designer.

During my short stint as a Junior Graphic Designer, I gained valuable insights into the industry. Working with a diverse range of big and small brands across industries, including Fashion, Beauty, Education, and Travel, provided me with a well-rounded understanding. Despite being content with the work I was assigned, I still felt like something was missing.

In search of a role that would allow me to utilize both my creative and technical skills, I stumbled upon isango!. In October 2016, I was fortunate enough to join the team as a Digital Designer, where I primarily supported the Marketing Team with their design requirements. This included designing and developing emailers, working on tools like Adobe Experience Manager, Dreamweaver and Photoshop. Designing social media graphics, infographics, and even producing promotional videos. Additionally, working with the website team with various usability improvement projects.

While I enjoyed creating graphics as a part of the Marketing team, my true passion lay in UX design. As a result, I made the decision to transition completely to UX in 2019.

As you read up to this point, you may have realized that I have made several career transitions. Nevertheless, I do not regret any of these experiences as each one has taught me valuable lessons that have contributed to my growth as a designer.

My technical background has given me a deep understanding of websites from the inside out, allowing me to create better designs. Additionally, I have always had a natural inclination towards creativity, which my parents have observed in me from a young age. By blending these two qualities, I have been able to bring out the best in myself.

As George Eliot sir says “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” :)