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The Evolution of UX Design Mentorship: A 2023 Perspective

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Chapter 1: Understanding the Role of Design Mentors

In 2023, have you ever considered the impact a design mentor could have on your professional journey? For emerging designers, a mentor provides invaluable guidance and constructive feedback throughout their careers. Various types of design mentors exist, and often, their availability may be limited to short sessions due to high fees.

While UX design mentors are quite specialized, the rising interest in design mentorship is evident, particularly through platforms like ADPList, which has shown a steady increase in engagement according to Google Trends. This site connects aspiring designers with free mentorship opportunities.

Regardless of your experience level as a UX or Product Designer, seeking a mentor can be incredibly beneficial. Personally, I wish I had sought mentorship earlier in my career, especially as a junior designer, given the limited availability of mentors at that time. Just as one would engage coaches for fitness or financial advice, having a design mentor can significantly enhance your career trajectory.

A design mentor can expedite your journey to your goals, providing insights and options that self-directed growth may not offer.

Is it justifiable to pay a design mentor between $300 to $600 per hour for a whiteboarding session? I question that, as many high-fee designers typically work at top-tier FAANG companies, but that does not guarantee they possess the expertise you need at your current level.

(FAANG refers to the leading American tech stocks: Meta (formerly Facebook), Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Alphabet — Wikipedia)

My Journey with Mentorship

During the pandemic, I invested in a design mentor affiliated with a FAANG company, drawn in by their impressive credentials. My experience was satisfactory; however, my second mentorship experience fell short, prompting me to seek a free mentor instead. I wanted to eliminate the anxiety of tracking expenses and felt I wasn't receiving adequate value for the money I spent.

I found my first paid mentor through a previous professional connection, while the second was discovered on LinkedIn. Interestingly, you can access similar mentorship from FAANG designers on ADPList at no cost! Many designers gravitate toward FAANG mentors due to their brand recognition and the assumption of elite experience.

It was only this year that I began to reflect on the distinction between paid and free mentorship, realizing that many paid FAANG mentors are already financially secure. These companies even allocate time for their employees to mentor others, raising the question of why they charge aspiring designers when they could contribute back to the community. Perhaps they envision a future in full-time mentorship post-employment.

I've observed that mentors who offer their services for free often display a genuine passion and dedication that I lacked from my paid experiences. Unlike my paid mentors, the free FAANG mentors have proactively reached out to check on my progress, demonstrating a genuine interest in my development.

Credibility in Design Mentorship

It's essential to conduct thorough research to ensure your chosen design mentor possesses the relevant experience you seek. Check their LinkedIn profiles, years in the field, educational background, certifications, and the types of projects they have completed.

Clarification on FAANG Referrals

For those new to the design field, a company referral occurs when someone within the organization recommends you for a position, providing you with a unique application link. Be cautious: If your primary goal in seeking a FAANG mentor is to obtain a referral, it is unlikely to happen.

Where to Begin Your Search for a Design Mentor

  • If you are currently employed, look for a mentor within your company. This option will be particularly beneficial as their insights will be directly applicable to your role.
  • If you're launching your design career, consider connecting with a mentor through ADPList at no cost.
  • If you still struggle to find a mentor, think about joining a free design community.

Evaluating Paid vs. Free Mentorship

Can you realistically afford to invest $100-$600 per hour for mentorship over an extended period? Ensure that your budget aligns with your goals, as you will want a mentor who can support you until you are ready to seek new guidance. Consider hiring a paid mentor for targeted assistance while maintaining a free mentor for continuous growth.

Schedule an introductory call with potential mentors to gauge their suitability for your needs. Prepare a list of questions regarding their services and teaching methods. Remember, you are investing in their expertise and want to ensure they can facilitate your development as a designer.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to pursue free or paid mentorship, the crucial step is to start your search. Finding the right mentor can take time, but once established, having access to their guidance can be immensely beneficial. For instance, you might seek quick feedback on a design presentation. Learning from someone more experienced can propel you to the next level in your career.

I do not oppose the idea of designer mentors charging aspiring talent unless they are affiliated with FAANG companies. I sincerely appreciate those mentors who give back to their design communities, particularly to underrepresented groups.

Chapter 2: The Value of Mentorship in UX Design

Discover valuable insights and secrets to advancing your UX career through effective mentorship.

Chapter 3: Finding the Right Mentor

Learn essential strategies for locating a UX mentor who can significantly enhance your design career.

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