Sofia Zhang

Challenge

Many entry-level job seekers in UX research and learning design struggle with translating academic knowledge into industry-relevant skills, presenting themselves effectively, and building professional networks. 45% of employers report difficulty finding candidates with relevant skills for UX roles (World Economic Forum, 2022). 85% of jobs are filled through networking, yet entry-level professionals often lack access to meaningful networks (LinkedIn, 2021).

As a Harvard graduate pursuing a career in UX research and learning design, I have faced these challenges firsthand. To address these gaps, I developed this independent project to help entry-level job seekers with skills translation and career navigation. My role in this project involves both UX research and UX/UI design.

Research Foundation

Primary Research Methods

• Conducted user interviews with entry-level job seekers, UX professionals, and a Hiring Manager
• Surveys to identify common challenges in career development

Background and Insight

Through this project, I have worked to address a personal and professional challenge – one that I, as a near graduate of Harvard, also face. I am entering the field of UX research and learning design, and despite my academic achievements, I have experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to connect my skills to the job market’s demands.

To understand this challenge better, I reached out to members of the UX and learning design ecosystem. I spoke with graduate job seekers like Billy and Andy, who shared their frustrations with finding roles that matched their expertise, and professionals like Helen, who emphasized that hiring managers prioritize adaptability over perfect skills matches.

However, this requires candidates to reframe their experiences, something many struggle with. Conversations with mentors like Richard revealed that mentorship and peer feedback could significantly help candidates refine their portfolios and improve self-presentation.

Here is a snapshot of the research backing UXceLD. Studies highlight the transformative power of feedback loops in skill development and confidence building. Mentorship is another proven factor, with research showing mentees are 67% more likely to advance in their careers. Networking is equally vital, as 70% of professionals who network secure roles more effectively.

From these research and conversations with members from the ecosystem, I identified three key constructs as areas needing change:

• Graduates need better tools to identify and articulate their transferable skills.
• Portfolios must be tailored to highlight industry-relevant experiences.
• Networking and mentorship opportunities are essential for navigating the transition into entry-level roles.

By addressing these constructs, I aim to bridge the gap between academic training and industry demands, making the job application process more accessible and effective for entry-level candidates in UX research and learning design.

Design and Iteration

Theory of Action and MVP Design

Based on the background research and the constructs needing change, I developed a Theory of Action, which centers on empowering users through structured career mapping, personalized feedback loops, and mentorship opportunities.

Integrating the Theory of Change into my design, I developed the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) as an initial program to support entry-level UX research and learning design job-seekers. The initial MVP includes three key components: Bridging Minds Sessions, where participants map/translate their skills and understand how they can apply these in UX and learning design roles; career mapping and feedback loops, where peers and mentors help refine portfolios; and mentorship & networking opportunities, connecting users with industry professionals for guidance and career insights.

Formative Evaluation and User Testing

After the initial design, I conducted a formative evaluation focusing on the Career Mapping and Feedback Loops component of the MVP. I invited several potential users, including entry-level job seekers and a seasoned UX professional to determine whether the existing component could make a measurable impact on participants’ ability to confidently present their skills, tailor their portfolios to specific job requirements, and move further along in the job application process.

Key Insights from Prototype Testing

The prototype test of the Career Mapping and Feedback Loops revealed that this component could indeed create measurable change by helping participants tailor their skills to specific job requirements, which is crucial for advancing in the job application process. Below are some critical insights gained from this testing phase:

1. Self-presentation and Skill Awareness Are Critical for Job-Seeking Success

   – The Career Mapping Workshop helped participants identify and communicate their transferable skills more effectively, which led to increased confidence and a stronger sense of direction. This aligns with research from UXPA (2021), which highlights that job-seekers who can map and present their skills are more successful in finding relevant roles.

2. Peer Feedback and Industry Guidance Lead to Improved Portfolios

   – Peer feedback, combined with expert insights, enabled participants to make meaningful improvements to their portfolios. Both Bill and Andy could pinpoint specific areas for improvement, which they likely wouldn’t have identified without the feedback loops. This supports findings from the Interaction Design Foundation (2022) that emphasize the value of structured portfolio feedback for job-seekers in UX fields.

3. Networking with Industry Professionals Enhances Job Prospects

   – The mentorship component provided participants with an opportunity to connect with a professional in the field. Richard’s guidance not only improved their portfolios but also led to new connections, demonstrating the importance of mentorship and industry networking for entry-level professionals, as indicated by eLearning Guild (2021).

Iteration and Refinement

I made changes to the prototype based on the findings from this test. Changes include:

1. Incorporating More Personalized Feedback: Participants valued the feedback but expressed a need for more tailored advice on specific UX research methodologies and learning design strategies. Future iterations of this component will involve assigning each participant a “feedback buddy” from a similar background, alongside expert guidance.

2. Extending Mentorship to Group Discussions: While one-on-one feedback was beneficial, participants indicated that hearing feedback on others’ portfolios was equally valuable. Introducing Group Mentorship Circles would allow participants to learn from each other’s experiences and broaden their understanding of industry expectations.

3. Implementing Follow-Up Portfolio Reviews: To ensure participants apply the feedback they receive, the program will incorporate follow-up sessions where participants submit their updated portfolios for review. This will provide a continuous feedback loop, reinforcing self-presentation skills over time.

Reflecting on the Journey

Improved Communication Skills

I learned how to have more effective conversations, especially when reaching out to mentors and conducting interviews for user testing. It wasn’t just about asking questions, but more about listening carefully, framing my ideas clearly, and building a sense of trust with participants.

Enhanced Networking Skills

Desiging UXceLD taught me how to network with intention. Whether it was connecting with Richard, a UX professional, or other students in the class, I learned how to initiate meaningful connections, follow up thoughtfully, and create opportunities for collaboration.

Understanding Others’ Perspectives

This project gave me a chance to step into the shoes of my target audience—entry-level job seekers like myself. Since my needs overlap with theirs, I reflected on my own experiences and needs, like the challenges of translating my skills into a portfolio or finding a mentor. That self-awareness helped me design a program that feels personal and actionable.

The Value of Iteration and Feedback

One of the biggest lessons was learning how to take feedback and use it to improve. Early versions of UXceLD were much simpler, but feedback from peers and advisors pushed me to refine the details, add new features, and think critically about what users really need.

Grounding Ideas in Research

I’ve always valued evidence-based work, but this class showed me how essential it is to root every aspect of a project in research. For example, the inclusion of mentorship in UXceLD was backed by studies showing its impact on career advancement. It wasn’t just a nice idea, but something proven to work.