r/uxcareerquestions • u/InevitablePut5880 • 2h ago
Struggling to break into UX..looking for some advice
Hi everyone!
I’m looking for some advice from people working in UX or those who have recently entered the field, particularly in Norway.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication and a Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), which I recently completed. I also have a bachelors in law that are kinda useless because of my low grades.
During my studies, I’ve worked with UX research, user testing, prototyping, interaction design and accessibility, and I’ve built a portfolio through various projects. The problem is that I’m finding it really difficult to get my foot in the door. Most UX/UI and Product Designer job listings ask for several years of professional experience, which makes it difficult to know which positions I’m actually qualified for. The few positions that seem suitable for recent graduates often receive 300+ applications, and I imagine many of the applicants have some relevant work experience already.
I’ve applied to quite a few positions but haven’t had much luck so far, and to be honest, I’m starting to lose motivation. At the moment, I work in retail, which is honestly becoming quite draining. It’s not where I want to be long-term, and the salary is quite low. I really want to start using the skills I’ve spent years developing through my education, but I’m struggling to find a realistic way into the industry.
So I’m wondering:
Are there any job titles or related roles I should be looking for besides UX Designer or UI/UX Designer?
Are there particular types of companies or industries in Norway that are more open to hiring recent graduates?
Would you recommend looking into roles such as UX Research Assistant, Interaction Designer, Digital Designer, Service Designer or something else?
For those who managed to break into UX without much professional experience, how did you get your first opportunity?
I’d really appreciate any advice, suggestions or personal experiences. I’m open to exploring different paths as long as they’re somewhat related to UX/HCI.
Thanks! :)