I successfully transitioned from a 15-year academic career to leadership roles in UX/user research.
Since 2019, I have coached dozens of academics striving to make the same pivot, and (ex) academics who have entered UX/user research roles and are growing their new careers.
Are you considering a transition? Check out the content I’ve created to help you on your way.
Looking for a personal strategy session? You can sign up below.
Content for transitioning academics
I have written a number of articles about my transition from academia to UX research. They are listed below in reverse chronological order of publication.
Why UX Researchers Should Revisit Academic Resources (dscout People Nerds)
Transfer Your Academic Skill Set to the World of UX (dscout People Nerds)
From Academia to UX: Understanding User Research Lingo (dscout People Nerds)
Three hard truths I learned before moving to a non-academic career (Times Higher Education)
The grass is greener (Times Higher Education)
Putting the “academic” research in UX (UXinsight)
I spend an hour chatting with Rosa Vieira de Almeida about our experience transitioning from academia into UX. Hosted by UX Coffee Hours. We discussed:
What we did before UX
Tips on how to prepare for the transition
Stakeholder management
Learning the lingo
I was a guest on the Let’s Get Physiological podcast discussing “Transitioning away from academia.”
Let’s talk career strategy!
I offer personal strategy sessions for two specific groups of professionals:
1) Academics considering or actively pursuing a career transition, and
2) (Ex) academics who are already in their first UX research role and are experiencing growing pains or have questions.
Not sure yet if it’s right for you?
Feel free to email me with questions.
janelle (at) janelleward.com
