WHY I CHOSE MY CAREER PATH: THE SECRET TO SUCCESS WITHOUT ‘REAL’ EXPERIENCE.

I believe you've once felt out of place because your portfolio lacked traditional job experience, even though you knew you could create amazing, quality work. That was my story, and I bet it’s yours too.

The path to becoming a product designer (ux/ui design) wasn't always linear, and personally, it was filled with relentless, self-taught skills, countless iterations, and a relentless desire to create purposeful, quality designs.
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✋ Stick with me
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📌 The Road Less Traveled (Literally) 🛣
My entry into design wasn’t conventional. I started with a passion for creating and a lot of determination, despite lacking formal experience and being financially strapped.

I played around design tools like Figma and Adobe XD, learning through trial and error. It wasn’t about having a prestigious job title—it was about the drive to solve design problems. Sounds delusional and in denial, right?

💡 Lesson: You don’t need formal experience to start. You need the courage and persistence to begin.

📌 The Fear of Being Overlooked 😱
One of my biggest struggles was the fear of not being taken seriously due to a lack of experience. I remember the sting of presenting designs and being asked, “Where have you worked before?”

It was during a personal project—designing a mobile app that simplified financial transactions with real-time analysis—that it all clicked. The app wasn’t something I built for a client, but to address a need.

💡 Lesson learned: Experience isn’t always tied to a company name. It’s in the value you create through the impact of your works.
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✋ I believe you're still with me
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📌 The Beauty of Personal Projects 🎨
Being free from a big company’s constraints while starting allowed me to experiment and grow. I once spent over six months perfecting a project, which led to building a portfolio I’m proud of and attracting clients. Personal projects can be as valuable as paid work—they reflect your true passion and skillset.

💡 Lesson learned: Don’t underestimate the power of your personal projects. They are just as valuable as any paid gig because they reflect your authentic passion and skillset.

So, Why Did I Choose This Career Path?
Personally, I chose design because it gave me the opportunity to create, to bring ideas to life, and to solve real problems. It’s a field that allows me to grow every day, challenge my creativity, and impact real people through purposeful design.

To professionals and designers questioning their path or experience: Start where you are with what you have. Your projects today shape your future. Keep pushing forward, networking, and putting yourself out there—you’re on the right path.
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So, what’s your story? What drives you in your career? Let’s share and inspire one another. Drop a comment below!

CHEERS 🥂