Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Back in the days when I decided to get more into technology and started learning to code, I saw myself as kind of a career changer. IT, with all its technical terms, felt totally foreign to me. I honestly thought I would never learn all of it.

I got caught up in a bit of imposter syndrome and convinced myself that I wasn't good enough yet. My background in visual communication and design didn’t seem to matter in the tech world, and even though I had studied marketing and business, I felt like I didn’t understand UX at all. This thought stuck with me, growing larger and larger. There was no one around to ask if my feelings were normal, or to clarify what was really required of me. I felt lost in the process. But still, I got involved in different projects, learned a ton – including all those technical terms! Even so, I kept setting myself unreasonable expectations. When my work contract ended due to production and financial reasons, I felt a mix of relief and panic.

Now, with some distance, I realize that I actually know a lot about this field. My 10-year career has given me a huge variety of projects and experiences with clients, which has sharpened my skills and deepened my understanding. In hindsight, I see that my education and past experiences have led me here today – to being a skilled UI/UX designer who combines visual expertise, business knowledge, and technical understanding.

Looking back, I understand that the jump into coding wasn’t a career change, but an expansion of my skills to better understand technical requirements – to be a better designer. My background in visual arts and design has always placed the user and the customer at the core of my work. I’ve learned that UX is more than just about designing; it’s about research, deep understanding, and applying insights. In fact, what I’ve been doing for the past 10 years has been UX research at its best – listening to customers, understanding their needs, and translating them into meaningful designs. I’ve also studied leadership and management skills. Currently, I’m enhancing my expertise by studying innovation management in the Master of Culture and Arts program, which has deepened my understanding of strategic design and innovation processes.

Now, when I look at my journey, I see a clear path of growth. It hasn’t been linear, but rather a combination of different experiences, themes, and challenges that have shaped me into who I am today. I’ve learned that the most valuable experiences aren’t always the traditional steps – it’s the diverse skills, interests, and knowledge we gain along the way that truly shape us.

This field is my passion, and after 10 years of dedicated work, I’m confident in my expertise. I'm not just learning – I'm here, a seasoned professional, continuing to grow and eager to keep pushing myself to be the best designer I can be.