Making connections is one of the most important and valuable tasks you can do as a job seeker.
Yet, it’s the task that most people are least likely to pursue.
Having worked with career changers going into UX/UI, I’ve found that job seekers are likely to spend more time on their resume, LinkedIn profile, and online portfolio than making connections. I understand. Reaching out to people you don’t know is scary.
But, the rewards of reaching out to others far outweighs the uncomfortableness of taking that step. It’s been proven that making connections is one of the most worthwhile activities to speed up your job search — not to mention the effect it has on your career journey in years to come.
Why is it we don’t pursue making connections with the same gusto as doing our resume, or LinkedIn profile, or our online portfolio?
For starters, we have control over the assets of our job search. We do not have control over how others will respond to us.
Making connections is scary! To help ease into this idea of making connections, start by joining UX communities.
Below are 6 different UX communities. Actually, it’s a lot more than 6 as one of the resources below is a website with links to 170 different communities!
But first, let’s discuss the different platforms where you can find communities.
reddit groups
Two of the groups below are reddit groups. Reddit is great for finding answers to your questions. I find reddit groups are a giving community and most people are more than willing to help you out. It’s great place to find others asking the same questions you have.
LinkedIn Groups
Two groups below are LinkedIn groups. These groups are another resource to ask questions and connect with others in UX/UI. I find it easier to connect with others on LinkedIn than it is on reddit.
Slack communities
I have not participated in Slack communities as much as I have with LinkedIn groups. However, with the minimal amount of time I have used Slack, I find them very helpful.
Discord groups
There several discord groups related to UX/UI. One of them is listed below. I’ve found htis group incredibly helpful.
Below you’ll find UX communities across these three platforms as well as communities with their own website.
UXDesign
UXDesign on reddit
Although this group is for experienced and veteran UX practitioners, it’s great place to get career advice, discuss UX trends, get your portfolio or resume reviewed, and more. There are two threads especially relevant to career changers:
- Breaking into UX and Early Career Questions
- Portfolio, Resume, and Case Study Feedback
User Experience
User Experience on reddit
This group is similar to the group above. They also have threads for Career Questions and for Portfolio & Design Critique.
User Experience / User Interface / Interaction Design
UI/UX / IxD / IA / Discussions / Jobs Group on LinkedIn
With nearly 60,000 members, this group is for informative and interactive discussions about User Experience. Events and UX/UI jobs are also posted.
UX Designer
UX Designer on LinkedIn
This is a great space to share ideas, discuss trends, and collaborate with others. The group is designed for you to ask questions about anything related to UX/UI, even for newbies.
Designer Slack Communities
Designer Slack Communities (website with links to 170 communities)
Be sure to check out this site. Even though it says ‘slack’, there are links to other design-type websites and job boards.
It includes links to design communities for specific locations (city or country) and various types of design.
Design Buddies
Design Buddies Discord group
Design Buddies is a platform where you can improve your design skills, find jobs, and connect with other designers. Join online workshops, get portfolio reviews, attend the Design The Future Conference, and more.
This community is great! They are active and giving. You can’t go wrong joining this group.
Check out these groups and start making connections in the UX/UI field.