Welcome to the Product Design Podcast!🎙 Hosted by Seth Coolen, founder of UX Cabin, where we create world-class web and mobile apps. In this episode, we're diving deep into how to secure a UX or product design job in 2024 despite the tough market conditions. Whether you're new to the field or looking to make a career change, we've got actionable strategies for you.🚀

Key Topics Covered:

1. Leverage Your Network: Leverage personal connections, attend meetups, and use LinkedIn effectively.
2. Expanding Your Network: offer genuine help, compliments, or feedback to build rapport with new connections.
3. Freelancing Opportunities: Start small with local projects to build your portfolio and experience.
4. Copying Good Design: Improve your skills by replicating top-notch designs and adding your unique touch.
5. Portfolio & Resume Optimization: Create a clean, effective portfolio and tailor your resume using AI tools.
6. Embracing Feedback: Seek constructive criticism to improve your work continuously.
7. Documenting Your Journey: Share your progress and learnings on social media for accountability and visibility.
8. Agency Outreach: Offer your services to design agencies for freelance work and potential full-time opportunities.
9. Creative Applications: Stand out with video introductions and follow up persistently.
10. Resilience: Stay positive and view rejections as steps toward the right opportunity.

Funny Moment:

• Seth shares a light-hearted story about losing his fantasy football league and the hilarious punishment from his league mates.

Resources Mentioned:

• LinkedIn for networking
• Loom for video introductions
• ChatGPT for resume optimization
• Portfolio and resume tools

Actionable Steps:

• Start building connections and reaching out to people in the industry.
• Begin small freelance projects to gain experience and build your portfolio.
• Regularly seek feedback and iterate on your work.
• Share your journey on social media to attract potential employers and collaborators.
• Apply to agencies and follow up on your applications with creativity and persistence.
• Maintain a resilient mindset and embrace rejections as part of the journey.

Subscribe & Stay Tuned:

• If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Product Design Podcast for more insights and interviews with top designers in the industry.

Thanks for tuning in! Best of luck on your job search journey in 2024!🎉

Thanks for listening to The Product Design Podcast with Seth Coelen, CEO at UX Cabin!

Where to find UX Cabin:
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/uxcabin
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uxcabin/
💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uxcabin
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uxcabin?lang=en
📹 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UXCabin
🎨 dribbble: https://dribbble.com/uxcabin
⌨️ Website: https://uxcabin.com
✍️ Blog: https://www.uxcabin.com/blog

👋 Hey there, loyal podcast listeners.

We have an update from Seth on The Product Design Podcast.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts and ideas to help shape the future of the show!

👀 Don’t forget to catch up on all 56 episodes  https://www.uxcabin.com/the-product-design-podcast

Thanks for listening to The Product Design Podcast with Seth Coelen, CEO at UX Cabin!

Where to find UX Cabin:
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/uxcabin
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uxcabin/
💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uxcabin
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uxcabin?lang=en
📹 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UXCabin
🎨 dribbble: https://dribbble.com/uxcabin
⌨️ Website: https://uxcabin.com
✍️ Blog: https://www.uxcabin.com/blog

In episode 56 of The Product Design Podcast, Seth Coelen interviews Niel McLean, Director of Product Design at Evolus. Niel brings his perspective of a servant leader, sharing what he has learned about leadership throughout his career.

During our chat, Niel shared how he got his start in design and how mentorship had been a key to his long-term success. He discusses how to gauge if your team is burning out and how to nurture your team to ensure their long-term success. This episode will help leaders to make a more significant impact on their organization and product designers looking to grow into leadership roles.

During our interview with Niel, you will learn:

👉 Niel’s non-traditional journey into design

🤩 How mentorship can impact your career

🔥 Impact of burnout and how to protect your team from it

👏 How Niel nurtures his design team through servant leadership

💡 How a leader can help their team member level up

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe so we can keep making content for you good people!

💡 Don't forget to read our blog and sign up for reminders when new episodes will be available!

Make sure to follow Niel after the podcast to stay on top of what he is up to!

Where to find Niel:

• Twitter: @oamclean
• LinkedIn: Niel McLean
• Instagram: @niel.mclean

Thanks for listening to The Product Design Podcast with Seth Coelen, CEO at UX Cabin!

Where to find UX Cabin:
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/uxcabin
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uxcabin/
💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uxcabin
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uxcabin?lang=en
📹 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UXCabin
🎨 dribbble: https://dribbble.com/uxcabin
⌨️ Website: https://uxcabin.com
✍️ Blog: https://www.uxcabin.com/blog

In episode 55 of The Product Design Podcast, Seth Coelen interviews Adam Perlis, CEO and Founder of Academy, which offers UX recruitment and staffing. He has had a fascinating design journey that led him to where he is today.

During our talk, Adam shares the career lows that launched him into his career highs, his unique approach to UX recruitment, and what he looks for in product design talent. Adam also gives excellent strategies for applying to different companies, regardless of how long you have been in the industry.

During our interview with Adam, you will learn:

🤩 Adam’s exciting career journey that led him to UX

🧠 How your mindset can change the trajectory of your career

💡Adam's unique approach to his recruiting business, Academy

👀 What Adam looks for in product design talent

📢 Strategies for applying to different types of companies

👉 Adam's take on if now is a good time to break into the industry

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe so we can keep making content for you good people!

💡 Don't forget to read our blog and sign up for reminders when new episodes will be available!

Make sure to follow Adam after the podcast to stay on top of what he is up to!

Where to find Adam

• Twitter: @AdamPerlis
• LinkedIn: Adam Perlis
• Instagram: adam_perlis
• Advisory Website: adamperlis.com
• Academy Website: academyux.com
• Academy Blog: https://blog.academyux.com
• Academy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@academyux
• Academy Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cAfSJ8X4bUtFHSRQ6okZE?si=o1BDnh7lRE6cHNMPzZ2Bnw

Thanks for listening to The Product Design Podcast with Seth Coelen, CEO at UX Cabin!

Where to find UX Cabin:
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/uxcabin
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uxcabin/
💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uxcabin
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uxcabin?lang=en
📹 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UXCabin
🎨 dribbble: https://dribbble.com/uxcabin
⌨️ Website: https://uxcabin.com
✍️ Blog: https://www.uxcabin.com/blog

In episode 54 of The Product Design Podcast, Seth Coelen interviews Sheryl Cababa, Author of Closing the Loop: Systems Thinking For Designers and Chief Strategy Officer at Substantial. Her book dives into how powerful a systems thinking mindset is for designers and provides tools and frameworks to help define the systems that surround your work.

During our chat, Sheryl provides us with an overview of the three concepts of systems thinking for designers, the cascading impact and barriers of systems thinking, and her take on the shortcomings of user-centered design. This episode will help you think deeper about the impact of the products you work on and understand the systems and context that can surround your design decisions.

During our interview with Sheryl, you will learn:

✍️ Sheryl's journey into design

🤩 How Sheryl landed a job at Microsoft

💡Three concepts of systems thinking for designers

🤔 Cascading impact and barriers of systems thinking

📢 Sheryl's take on the shortcomings of user-centered design

🤩 How to bring systems thinking to your organization

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe so we can keep making content for you good people!

💡 Don't forget to read our blog and sign up for reminders when new episodes will be available!

Make sure to follow Sheryl after the podcast to stay on top of what she is up to!

Where to find Sheryl

• Twitter: @sherylcababa
• LinkedIn: Sheryl Cababa
• Blog Website: https://medium.com/@SherylCababa
• Closing the Loop: Systems Thinking for Designers
  • Coupon code: cababa-pdp

Thanks for listening to The Product Design Podcast with Seth Coelen, CEO at UX Cabin!

Where to find UX Cabin:
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/uxcabin
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uxcabin/
💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uxcabin
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uxcabin?lang=en
📹 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UXCabin
🎨 dribbble: https://dribbble.com/uxcabin
⌨️ Website: https://uxcabin.com
✍️ Blog: https://www.uxcabin.com/blog

In episode 53 of The Product Design Podcast, Seth Coelen interviews Mimi Nishiguchi, Senior Product Designer, and YouTube Content Creator. You have probably seen her YouTube channel, where she shares videos on all things UX, including topics like boot camps, a day in the life of a UX Designer, and her couch confessions related to her experience switching to a career in UX.

During our chat, Mimi shares her take on boot camps, tips on switching to a UX career, advice on getting an initial interview, and talks to Seth about some of his favorite videos on her channel. This episode is full of great advice for anyone considering a switch to UX, and if you have been a fan of Mimi for a while, you will get to hear about her long-term vision for her YouTube Channel.

During our interview with Mimi, you will learn:

👉 How Mimi landed on a UX design career path

💡Why Mimi chose the boot camp route

👀 Mimi's experience with DESIGNLAB: was it worth it?

📢 Strategies for getting an initial interview and UX job in this market

🌱 How Mimi grew from her career lows

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe so we can keep making content for you good people!

💡 Don't forget to read our blog and sign up for reminders when new episodes will be available!

Make sure to follow Mimi after the podcast to stay on top of what she is up to!

• Instagram: @mimimichigucci
• YouTube: @mimimichi
• Interview Questions Study Guide: https://payhip.com/b/gycaW

Other mentioned links:

• General Assembly: https://generalassemb.ly
• DESIGNLAB: https://designlab.com
• Articulating Design Decisions by Tom Greever: https://amzn.to/3MTiLV6

Thanks for listening to The Product Design Podcast with Seth Coelen, CEO at UX Cabin!

Where to find UX Cabin:
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/uxcabin
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uxcabin/
💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uxcabin
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uxcabin?lang=en
📹 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UXCabin
🎨 dribbble: https://dribbble.com/uxcabin
⌨️ Website: https://uxcabin.com
✍️ Blog: https://www.uxcabin.com/blog

In episode 52 of The Product Design Podcast, Seth Coelen interviews Nathalie Stratton, Co-founder and Head of Product Design and Engineering at Hearth. Hearth Display is a digital touchscreen for family management and productivity, made to lighten the load of organization for busy families.

During our chat, Nathalie discusses her early transition from architecture to product design. Nathalie shares how she was inspired to create Hearth, the challenges she faced during the product design and launch process, and what she feels is the most valuable skill set for anyone looking to launch their product into the world. This episode is filled with great advice and learnings on bringing a product to market!

During our interview with Nathalie, you will learn:

🤩How Nathalie transitioned from architecture to product design

🚩 Red flags to look out for when looking for a new job

💡What inspired Nathalie to create Hearth

🤔 Challenges faced when bringing a product idea to life

📢 Most valuable skill set to have when creating a product

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe so we can keep making content for you good people!

💡 Don't forget to read our blog and sign up for reminders when new episodes will be available!

Make sure to follow Nathalie after the podcast to stay on top of what she is up to!

• Twitter: nathaliemanz
• LinkedIn: Nathalie Stratton
• Instagram: @stratton.nat
• Website: Hearth

Other mentioned links:

• Jump the line for your Hearth Display: https://hearthdisplay.com/uxcabin

Thanks for listening to The Product Design Podcast with Seth Coelen, CEO at UX Cabin!

Where to find UX Cabin:
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/uxcabin
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uxcabin/
💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uxcabin
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uxcabin?lang=en
📹 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UXCabin
🎨 dribbble: https://dribbble.com/uxcabin
⌨️ Website: https://uxcabin.com
✍️ Blog: https://www.uxcabin.com/blog

In episode 51 of The Product Design Podcast, Seth Coelen interviews Danielle Thompson, Founder of Design Match,where they connect ambitious startups with the perfect designers for their projects!

During our chat, Danielle talks about how she has progressed along her career path by creating products and launching businesses. Danielle dives into how powerful the proper support can be along your product design career path and why working on your emotional intelligence will set you up for long-term success. She also shares how she came up with the idea for Design Match and how she found quick success with this product. If you are looking to get work as a Product Designer, Design Match may be for you! This episode is filled with fantastic advice for all designers, regardless of how long they have been in the game.

During our interview with Danielle, you will learn:

👏 How Danielle found her product design career path

🔥 Danielle’s approach to advancing her product design career

💡The Power of Support: Advice for Pursuing Product Design

🎯 How emotional intelligence became Danielle’s superpower

📢 Who Design Match helps and how to get involved

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe so we can keep making content for you good people!

💡 Don't forget to read our blog and sign up for reminders when new episodes will be available!

Make sure to follow Danielle after the podcast to stay on top of what she is up to!

• Twitter: @danielletdesign
• LinkedIn: Danielle Thompson
• Instagram: @danielletom
• Website: https://www.designmatch.io
• Blog: https://www.designmatch.io/blog/

Thanks for listening to The Product Design Podcast with Seth Coelen, CEO at UX Cabin!

Where to find UX Cabin:
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/uxcabin
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uxcabin/
💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uxcabin
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uxcabin?lang=en
📹 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UXCabin
🎨 dribbble: https://dribbble.com/uxcabin
⌨️ Website: https://uxcabin.com
✍️ Blog: https://www.uxcabin.com/blog

In episode 50 of The Product Design Podcast, Seth Coelen interviews Bryan Zmijewski, Chief Instigator at ZURB, where Helio was created and a product design company that has been in business since 1998.

During our chat, Bryan shares how ZURB was created and his approach to running a business for 25 years. Bryan gives his point of view on what it takes to be a successful business owner for several years, how he builds trust with his clients and team, and the steps he takes to gain clarity so he can lead the direction of a project effectively. This episode is filled with tips and tricks for anyone already running a business or those who want to get started and would like to understand more of what goes into running a business in our industry!

During our interview with Bryan, you will learn:

💡What inspired Bryan to launch and build his company 25 years ago

🔥 Embracing the Flames: What It Takes to be a Successful Business Owner

🎯 Mistakes companies make when choosing their design partner

👏 How to build trust with clients and team

📢 How to lead the direction and find clarity during a project

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe so we can keep making content for you good people!

💡 Don't forget to read our blog and sign up for reminders when new episodes will be available!

Make sure to follow Bryan after the podcast to stay on top of what he is up to!

• Twitter: @bryanzmijewski
• LinkedIn: Bryan Zmijewski
• Product Website: https://helio.app

Other mentioned links:

• Peter Drucker: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Drucker

Thanks for listening to The Product Design Podcast with Seth Coelen, CEO at UX Cabin!

Where to find UX Cabin:
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/uxcabin
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uxcabin/
💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uxcabin
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uxcabin?lang=en
📹 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UXCabin
🎨 dribbble: https://dribbble.com/uxcabin
⌨️ Website: https://uxcabin.com
✍️ Blog: https://www.uxcabin.com/blog

In episode 49 of The Product Design Podcast, Seth Coelen interviews Shruti Goli, Co-Founder & Co-CEO at Trymata, where you can build digital experiences users love with their usability testing and product analytics solutions (formerly TryMyUI.)

During our chat, Shruti shares her journey into tech and her inspiring take on how failure can propel you forwardalong your career path. She gives advice on what she learned while landing an internship at Microsoft (on her second attempt) and failing five times before making her breakthrough product. This episode is packed with the tips and tricks you need if you are just starting in product design or are ready to create and launch your own product now!

During our interview with Shruti, you will learn:

👏 When Shruti decided that starting her own company was the best route for her
🔥 Advice on landing an internship at a company like Microsoft
💡 How Shruti failed five times before her breakthrough product
🤩 Shruti’s advice on building your own product and starting your business
🎯 How to find out if your product idea is worth pursuing

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe so we can keep making content for you good people!

💡 Don't forget to read our blog and sign up for reminders when new episodes will be available!

Make sure to follow Shruti after the podcast to stay on top of what she is up to!

• Twitter: @ShrutiGoli
• LinkedIn: Shruti Goli
• Instagram: @shrutigoli
• YouTube: Trymata
• Website: https://trymata.com

Other mentioned links:

• Interview Kickstart: https://www.interviewkickstart.com
• Payal Kadakia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/payalkadakia/

Thanks for listening to The Product Design Podcast with Seth Coelen, CEO at UX Cabin!

Where to find UX Cabin:
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/uxcabin
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uxcabin/
💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uxcabin
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uxcabin?lang=en
📹 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UXCabin
🎨 dribbble: https://dribbble.com/uxcabin
⌨️ Website: https://uxcabin.com
✍️ Blog: https://www.uxcabin.com/blog